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LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion

0 posted 1999-07-26 07:29 PM


This poem was written for a friend who has terminal cancer. She wanted a poem for her children that would help them deal with the season of the year in which she passed. Her nickname is Whispers.

Seasons of Whispers

Dear Children, I know the pain you must feel,
The loss in your hearts my absence reveals.
As sure as each sunrise, you’ll remember this day,
But remember also these words I now say.

If it’s in the Spring, days of glorious green,
That I’m called homeward though you needed me.
Remember these days not as days of regret,
But as days of rebirth and promise, instead.

For, I’ve loved every Spring, with its cleansing rains,
It’s azure blue skies, and new life’s refrains.
Look to every blade of bright emerald hue,
And remember I’d love those same new blades, too.

Do not hate the Spring

Perhaps in the Summer I will bid you adieu.
I’ll lay down this burden that’s pierced me through.
I’ll close weary eyes and breathe easy at last,
And slip tenuous bonds that have held me fast.

But, it wasn’t the Summer of long lazy days,
That loosened life’s grip and took me away.
No. I’ve loved every Summer for Winter’s respite,
Each sunny warm day, each soothing cool night.

Rejoice in the Summer! Throw your arms wide,
Love these halcyon days; I’ll be at you side.
Breathe deeply the smells of gold ripening fields,
I once breathed them too, when I needed to heal.

Do not hate the Summer

Oh, wonderful Fall of great harvest moons!
Do not let my children lose their love of you.
Caress them with your sweet temperate clime,
And remind them of our many happier times.

Do not blame the Fall if its then I have passed,
How I’ve yearned for the harvest that’s come at last.
Like grain, life is sown and, when ready, is reaped.
My life has been fruitful, full of faith and belief.

When the trees change to rubies, topaz, and gold,
You’ll see the treasures I cherished as Nature unfolds.
And like the colors in the leaves that drift down to you,
I will always be here in whatever you do.

Do not hate the Fall

If its in Wintertime you must lay me to rest,
Do not hate the short days, and the longer darkness.
I’ve loved the beauty of Winter’s crystalline rime,
That outshines the dew in warm, sunnier times.

Winter covers the world in a blanket of white,
The stars are diamonds in a tiara of night.
Each breath has an essence clearly revealed,
As if I was before you, alive, unconcealed.

Yes. I’m there, my children, in your every breath,
And its in the Winter when you’ll see me best.
So, embrace those chill days when Winter winds call,
For its then you will know I’ve not left you at all.

Do not hate the Winter

So, how do you deal with this great numbing loss?
If its not the Seasons, then who pays the cost?
This task I have set you will become easier in time,
As the legacy I’ve left you becomes your way of life.

Do not hate

I love you,

Mother


© Copyright 1999 Michael Waterman - All Rights Reserved
Elizabeth
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871
Minnesota
1 posted 1999-07-26 07:40 PM


I'm sure Whispers loved it, and I hope her children will too. This was a touching piece. You really have a talent, LJA! Thank you for sharing it with us.
LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
2 posted 1999-07-26 08:00 PM


thanks, Elizabeth - she saved it and has it in her memory book for her kids - it kinda grabbed me when I finished it and then reread it. I hope it does that to others, too.
Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

3 posted 1999-07-26 09:20 PM


Really lovely. You capture the kindest aspects of each season so well. I was very moved when I read this.
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
4 posted 1999-07-26 09:34 PM


Ok...so I started to cry even before the poem began...I'll go back and read it later. I can't type with my eyes dripping tears!
elvira
Senior Member
since 1999-07-06
Posts 936
California
5 posted 1999-07-26 11:48 PM


very well done indeed

------------------
one night at the airport...Childhood Memories...eight short weeks...Music to my Ears...your countenance...just watching tv...hoarse whispers...My One and Only...Tribute to M.J....Feel the need?...serving wench...a little girl...the mistress...stolen hours...Perfection...devotion...Master
...apart...plain...chat?



LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
6 posted 1999-07-27 08:10 AM


Thank each and every one of you for your kind words. Whispers is an exceptional person... who gives encouragement and warmth to every person she knows. She deserves much better than what she's been given.
Nicole
Senior Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 1835
Florida
7 posted 1999-07-27 01:14 PM


I find myself wanting to reply, but not finding the words to do so. I am so moved. Thank you for posting this.
LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
8 posted 1999-07-27 01:21 PM


Thank you, Satiate,

If you knew her, you would feel the loss all her friends feel as she becomes weaker.

azblond
Senior Member
since 1999-07-01
Posts 637
The Steamy Desert
9 posted 1999-07-27 01:25 PM


I too am writing a reply through the clouds of tears. How wonderful of a tribute, touching and moving. My favorite part, the most simplistic phrase...Do Not Hate. Thank you for sharing this. It touched my heart, and please let Whispers and her family know they are in my prayers.

------------------
For sometimes when the Darkness falls, we must surrender, take what is ours, and give what we can, and always remember love is somewhere waiting...


hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
10 posted 1999-07-27 07:43 PM


Very touching

------------------
"Nobody has measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold" ~Zelda Fitzgerald

blueloon
Member
since 1999-07-07
Posts 161
NY
11 posted 1999-07-27 11:47 PM


Tears stream down my face...no more can I write...
blueloon

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
12 posted 2010-06-14 02:32 AM


Oh, I do remember this one when you first wrote it. I was on that poetry site  then also. I am so happy to find it here down in the Archivs because now I can put it into my library. latearrival
Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
13 posted 2010-06-14 03:34 PM


Oh, that is so touching.. so poignant.. what a lovely gift..
~Amaryllis

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