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Open Poetry #46
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Joyce Johnson
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Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State

0 posted 2010-07-07 03:40 PM


It's there each time, in blazing red
When June becomes July.
I wonder if He let you choose
The date that you would die.

Somehow I think, perhaps He did,
I know if you had your "druthers"
You would pick the date we can't forget.
It stands out from all the others.

And then of course my birthday comes.
Today is July the seven.
That was the date we buried you
And sent you off to Heaven.

Our children call, your sister too
And has for all these years.
There is no bucket big enough
To have held all of our tears.

Forty-eight years have passed and gone
Since that fateful fourth of July
And I don't need a calendar
To remember and to cry.

By Joyce 7/7/10

© Copyright 2010 Joyce I Johnson - All Rights Reserved
Eldest
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since 2010-06-15
Posts 177
Alabama
1 posted 2010-07-07 05:44 PM


very poignant remembrance, beautifully worded

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
2 posted 2010-07-07 07:04 PM


I think we have these "anniversaries" to celebrate their life.  Beautiful remembering Joyce.
2islander2
Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825
by the sea
3 posted 2010-07-10 10:00 AM


same comment than eldest, Thanks for sharing.

yann

Joe Houck
Member
since 2001-04-23
Posts 324
california
4 posted 2010-07-10 03:00 PM


beautiful...
very touching words.

Joe

Robert E. Jordan
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since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5 posted 2010-07-10 05:43 PM


Yo dear Joyce,

This poem is very well done.

Love Bobby

Marchmadness
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since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California
6 posted 2010-07-11 04:33 AM


Very touching, Joyce, I understand how holidays seen to make tragedies stand out in our minds. My daughter passed away the day before Mother's Day in May of 2000.
                                  Ida

Alison
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Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
7 posted 2010-07-20 12:19 PM


Joyce,

You write so beautifully - I just want to reach through our screens and hug you.  I think of you often.  Thank you for sharing "you" with us.  You are an inspiration to me.

Love,
Alison

Alison
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Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!
8 posted 2010-07-20 12:21 PM


PS - Our birthdays are two days apart.  No wonder I feel as if I know you.

Alison

easy1
Senior Member
since 2010-05-22
Posts 1209
Southeastern USA
9 posted 2010-07-20 07:22 AM


A beautiful and touching write, well-composed as are all of your works I have read here. My condolences, and it is good to remember the good about loved ones who have passed on, for we shall surely meet again in a better world someday.
sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
10 posted 2010-07-20 10:40 AM


Dearest Joyce, Each piece you write is great, but this is outstanding.  So revealing, the deep love that never fades, the date reminders of past times, the emotions brought forth, all lovingly penned in deep faith.

Thank you for sharing your works with us.

God bless,
Rae

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