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Open Poetry #48
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My Uncle Died
| Open Poetry #48 |
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My Uncle Died |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa 
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MY UNCLE DIED 19 February 2012 My uncle died. I am not sure when nor of what nor how old he was though my father would have been ninety-six if he had still been alive and I think my uncle was older. I found out tonight that my uncle died. A second cousin I hadn’t seen since I was about five (and now I am sixty-six) who some time back visited South Africa from Canada, to where his family emigrated phoned to say he would visit me but didn’t, emailed me tonight to say my father’s brother who lived in Scotland, died and he was sorry. I saw my uncle twice - once when I was about two and then again when I was about four (and I am still sixty-six) and I hadn’t heard from him since. My uncle died and my second cousin is sorry and so am I. I really am. Owl |
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| © Copyright 2012 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved | |||
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2islander2 Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825by the sea |
hi diana, this is moving and very touching, even if we don't know thm very well, some persons are precious ans special, enjoyed a lot, yann |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, Yann, for understanding this so well. Owl |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
I'm very sorry, Ms. D. ... to hear of your loss. It is most unfortunate that friends and family are so often separated by the unforgiving constraints of time and space (geography); etc. |
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Klassy Lassy Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187Oregon |
I feel a loss of family connection. There is a sorrow in that we sometimes don't fully feel until one of them passes, the time that slipped away in everyday routine without a touch, a hello, or a smile.... I've felt that estrangement in your writing before and recognized it in my life, too. I have a large family, it's scattered now and there is a strange sense of isolation as I get older and their lives become detached from mine. Richard Bach wrote that sometimes the ties of friendship are stronger than blood, and they are as much family as those we are born to. I believe real friends know each other regardless of time and space. Peace, Dear Heart. Hugs. |
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ebonygirl Member Elite
since 2011-07-14
Posts 2000California U.S.A |
Sorry for you loss, Owl. Ms. E |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Bruce,I didn't have much in the way of family connections ever, even of the ones that existed, and those with whom I did have a connection . . . well, the least said about them, probably the better (except for my son). Thanks for your kind reply. Karen, thank you so much for having noticed that from my writing. I am touched that you noticed if it was subtly mentioned, or remembered if it was direct. However, I am a tough cookie and have taken and can take a lot. I am sorry that your family/extended family has grown apart. However, I am glad that you were close initially. Thank you for your compassionate reply. I have noticed that you are a very kind person. Thank you eg. Owl |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Even a loss that doesn't wrench your heart out of your chest is a loss, for death takes away even the remote possibilities of meeting again. (((hugs))) to you, gentle lady. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, Ruth. You are a kind, compassionate and understanding person. You are right in what you say. The night of my mother's funeral, I cried - and my reason for crying was that I couldn't cry for my mother's death and that upset me. Owl |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
So sorry, Diana. Even when you don't know them well you feel a loss when your relatives die and leave you more alone in the world. Ida |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
I am sorry anytime there is a death - the loss of life being the relevant term - but it doesn't mean I'll miss the one who died. Family in one form or another defines a form of kinship (from the family of man, to mother, father, siblings in a shared household), but Family to me, in it's more stringent format, are those that love you, are there for you, have you in their hearts, your well being in their life. Relations that are strangers (broad term) are not; friends that breathe your daily existence, could well be, family. Regretting loss of life is grievance in itself; grieving something you never knew, is purposeless. You did a good write; you acknowledged bloodline family no matter how far removed, and you recognized the all important, irreplaceable, loss of life. Pat yourself on the back, my friend. I just did. j. |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
so sorry sweet Diana floating winged ~hugs~ your way. Love is the life of the soul... |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, Ida. In some ways, it is worse when you don’t know them. Thank you, Jimmy, patting myself on the back at your request. Sad smiles. Thank you, Tracie. Enjoying the warmth of the hugs. Owl |
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