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Open Poetry #6
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Two Halves of a Whole - Repost from Open #1
| Open Poetry #6 |
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Two Halves of a Whole - Repost from Open #1 |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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Twenty-eight anniversaries he's spent by himself. Each year, he pulls photos down from the shelf And for a few hours and with quite a few tears He lets memories take him back through the years. They met during the war. It was love at first sight - For him at least; She had a date that night. When she said she had plans, he only smiled And said "Tell him goodbye. I'll wait for a while." Days later, they married - he was shipping out. But she didn't whine and sulk and pout Even when their first child entered the world. She simply cabled "It wasn't a girl." He'd wanted a daughter, but took pride in his boy. His small family back home was his greatest joy And helped him through his terror and fear Until he returned to all he held dear. They never had money; their first home was a barn, But poverty wasn't seen as cause for alarm. They made the farm work, drew their drink from a well, Washed clothes in a tub, sold peas that they'd shelled. Laughter and love were the life that they knew So they took hand-me-downs and made clothes like new, Raised God-fearing children, were beloved by their friends, Felt fortunate though they lacked money to spend. They worked hard every day regardless of weather And thought of the years when they'd grow old together. But the dreams that they shared were not to be The prognosis was bad - six months, maybe three. Their love grew stronger as her body grew weak. Then one night his eyes said what his mouth couldn't speak. And the tears wet his cheeks as he buried his wife And wondered how he'd live the rest of his life Without his mate always at his side. For he loved her more than when she'd been his bride. Her sisters stopped visiting, said they couldn't bear Thinking of her in the home she had shared. His gentle reply filled them with guilt "To me, she's still here in this house that we built And I like that, for it's still a home - When I think of her smile, I'm not so alone." When the pictures are finished, he'll slide them back in their place, Put his cap on his head, brush the tears from his face, Walk to his truck and drive to the cemetery As he's done twenty-eight years on their anniversary. For my parents... married March 4, 1942. |
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| © Copyright 2000 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Pepper Member Elite
since 1999-08-19
Posts 3079Southern Florida |
What a beautiful tribute to the love your parents shared .... exquisite writing here Suthern .... This one did bring tears to my eyes ... Have you shared this with your dad? .... |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Suthern~ What a beauty. Your loving heart is evident here. Took me with you on a nostalgic trip of loving memories. Thank you for bringing up this beauty. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
This is beautifully touching, Suthern! This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for reposting it! HUGS Denise |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
Suthern: This is so beautiful, whenever I read it I could imagine the love between your parents and the love of a daughter...You do them both proud..  Big HUSG - soppy ones I dropped a tear in the ocean when it is found, I will stop loving you... |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Suthern, this is a wonderful story, and for it to be the actual true tale of your parents' lives makes it even more exceptional...you've shared it beautifully through your poetry. ~ Claire |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Suthern, This is so beautiful I don't know what to say. *L* Sy [This message has been edited by Seymour Tabin (edited 03-04-2000).] |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
suthern this is fantastic writing and so touching. James |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Suthern, this poem has left me longing for my own parents..you have written so beautifully of a devotion that outlasts death. Very well done! |
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HelmutB Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 964Canada |
This poem is not only touching and filled with devotion beyond It's. It's true love. Well done suthern and I must say its a beautiful tribute to your parents The ability to describe life with words is similar to painting a picture; both can be powerful tools. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Pepper: Thank you. No, I haven't... but I may get up the necessary nerve this week... I have it printed out, just in I stumble upon some bravery. *G* Marge, dsynder, RG and James: Thank you very much. I'm glad you didn't mind the repost in honor of their anniversary. *S* And RG... your hugs are always welcome no matter how soppy! LOL Seymour: Your silence speaks volumes to my heart... thank you! *S* Meadowmuse, Martie, & Helmut: It is true... and such love and devotion is an incredible heritage. I wish for such in my own life. *S* Thank you all for your kind comments... I appreciate them! *S* |
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Corazon Senior Member
since 2000-02-02
Posts 1209 |
this is incredible suthern, am so glad you reposted....memories I wish I had of my parents...I haven't seen my dad for 25 years...sigh....great writing, makes me want to share your memories |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Oh my, this gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful but sad piece  |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you, Corazon and Hoot! I thought I'd actually get around to sharing this with my Dad yesterday... only to find that the pages I thought were it were emails from Corazon! LOL. |
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