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Open Poetry #10
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Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware

0 posted 2000-09-24 12:38 PM


(not my best poetry- but heartfelt)

Light Misty Rain  (9/23/00)

In many years today was a first
Eighth annual could be a mess
Fear ran through some of us
Would it dampen the success?

Inspiration for 5k run and walk
Came soon after he died
To fight the cancer that had taken him
A memorial to how he tried

He, who had fought its scourge,
For twenty-seven of years of tears
He, who was struck down by it,
Just after turning thirty-three years

Once more today the volunteers
Came out to show their love
Baking, setting tables,
Laying out the prizes from above

The unsung ones who got the ice
And marked the course's progress
Timers, registration clerks
Our friend from ACS

All prepared for outdoor chores
Up before the dawn
Then light mist fell
And all withdrawn

Indoors where it was dry
The sanctuary of our church
Here he found the faith to fight
We'd not leave him in the lurch

But eight o'clock came on the face
Of clocks around the town
And crowds showed up despite the rain
And no one had a frown

From near and far they all showed up
From Boston to Atlanta
Converging on our humble spot
Like hoards of one called Santa

Former students, young and old
Relatives and strangers
Ran and walked on rain slick streets
Heedless of the danger

A simple tee shirt marks the day
With artwork bright and cheerful
I'd like to think they'd be here still
Just to get an earful

Of the mark he made in his short life
What he did for ecology
His high school students now out in life
More than a eulogy

The artist who designed the shirts
From the very beginning
Brought her family clear from Carolina
So the cancer fight we're winning

Light misty rain - it fell today
It cleansed the air around us
And happily they all turned out
Made Dane's memory a success


© Copyright 2000 Wilfred Yeats - All Rights Reserved
Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
1 posted 2000-09-24 12:40 PM


Good evening Wilfred,
Beautiful Wilfred, just beautiful. I know of this thing too, called the big "C". I know of it very well.


Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
2 posted 2000-09-24 12:48 PM


Thanks Bill - my wife's first born -I barely knew him for much more than two years - but I've seen much Cancer - it took my mother and many dear friends.
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
3 posted 2000-09-24 12:54 PM


Bill--This is such a touching poem and I know the heart that went into telling this story...I wish I could have been there, to run or help...hugs to you, my dear friend!
ggrn3
Member
since 2000-08-17
Posts 433
Nahunta Georgia U.S.
4 posted 2000-09-24 01:39 AM


Bill
  I just went on a 24hr Cancer Walk not too long ago.  My mother lead the initial lap of the Walk as she was a recent survivor of breast Cancer surgery.  The big "C" has played a major role in the last 3 months of my family.  My wife & I just attended a funeral on her family's side.  She just had an aunt to die with the big "C"  It affects us all somehow somewhere down the road.

I kinda got away from your poem.  You say it's not your best work, but I loved it.  Heartfelt... it was.  Sorry about my little romp above.

Garfield

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
5 posted 2000-09-24 12:05 PM


Mr. Yeats, this poem, heartfelt, the responses, the runners, the contributors, the sponsors, the victims, all someday will see a  little "c" fade away...

Thank you for taking the time to post this wonderful eulogy...

Karilea
When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ


Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
6 posted 2000-09-24 12:41 PM


Martie-

Your good wishes are more than enough ~S~
I'll believe you were there in your heart
Thank you

Garfield -

It it had to imagine anyone not touched bu C in one way or another - it is when it hits close that we come to realize most deeply what aterrible scourge it is - Thank you  

Karilea -

I believe that too - when the world stops its fatalistic attitude toward these scourges
We'll see a better life for everyone. Thank you

Paula Finn
Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546
missouri
7 posted 2000-09-28 04:04 PM


You write from your heart and there is beauty in ever word
Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
8 posted 2000-09-28 11:46 PM


Paula -

it tis the only way I know how to write
Thank you

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