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Open Poetry #11
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Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA

0 posted 2000-12-25 09:04 PM



On this the eighth Christmas
Since death darkened this door
I take time to look around me
Getting lost in the things you left behind
Such as the pictures on these walls
Each carefully selected by you

Then there are the quilts you bought
Must have been almost fifteen years ago
That you had them made in Arkansas
When we were visiting family for two weeks
On the hottest July I can remember
It was 104 degrees in the shade back then

Even the chair I sit in as I write
Was picked out by you and me
It was always your favorite to sit in
I'd come home from school each day
And there you'd be waiting to ask me
How my day was . . . what I'd learned

I cannot overlook the curio cabinet
Still sitting in the corner of the living room
Each shelf is filled with knickknacks
On the bottom shelf sits the family Bible
That belonged to your great grandfather
Passed on through generations to the eldest daughter

One object that always catches my eye
Is the porcelain swan you bought
A few years before you died
It was my favorite as you know
You said it would be mine when you were gone
But in this house in its place it still remains

So many things here remind me of you
In a house full of momentos
Collected throughout 42 years of marriage
Your hope chest contains the things held most dear
My first pair of baby shoes bronzed
And the tiny dress I wore home from the hospital

I sit looking back at your memories
In wonder I'm filled with awe
I feel as if I'm on hallowed ground
Trespassing on the landscape of your dreams
Although I know deep down inside
You are here beside me in spirit

All the material things have significance
But they are not what I hold most dear
Locked inside my heart are the memories
Of the times we spent together just you and I
The trips we'd take alone, the talks,
And how you were always there for me until the end

I was honored not only to call you my Mother
But you were also my very best friend
I will miss you and love you always
Merry Christmas to heaven's most precious angel
Not a day goes by that I don't think about you
And until we see each other again know that you are remembered here


Dedicated to my Mom
Mimi Jean Vendel
8/9/32 - 6/2/92
----------------------------------------------------
< !signature-->

Poetry should surprise by fine excess...it should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts and appear almost a remembrance. -J.Keats

[This message has been edited by Lone Wolf (edited 12-25-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Jennifer L. Garcia - All Rights Reserved
EagleScorpion
Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644
Here, Now, Forever
1 posted 2000-12-25 09:17 PM


I'm sorry that your mother passed away...
You will be able to see her again

Will you come travel with me? Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

2 posted 2000-12-25 09:25 PM


This touched me deeply.  I have doilies (does anyone even know what those are!) that my mother made and yes, the memories sustain us. God bless you, Jennifer!

"Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell."
Joan Crawford

Mother_Earth
Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 1370
1/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan
3 posted 2000-12-25 10:12 PM


At this time of the year and before the new year begins, the loved ones now gone, seem to be the closest.  The memories are so strong and so bitter sweet.  How wonderful to have such great memories.  
thank you for sharing them with us.
         Love and hugs,
                ME

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
4 posted 2000-12-25 10:55 PM


LoneWolf, we share more in common than you know...my mother passed in '92 as well...what few material things she gifted me with prior to that time I treasure dearly...

it is true material gifts do not hold the soul, but I remember my mother's hand tendering to me these gifts, and that is one of the memories of the hundreds and more that I keep of her...things she had received and or purchased because they delighted her eye and sense of values, making sure that they would be cared for...

and of all, I tender my hands to her great-grandchildren, that they might live in her laughter...

tracie66
Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713
Australia
5 posted 2000-12-26 01:33 AM


LW~
Very tender and beautiful piece, beautiful reflection. Memories are so special ~HUGS~ to you my friend
Love Tracie~


Love is the life of the soul...
It is the harmony of the universe



ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
6 posted 2000-12-26 03:45 AM


All those memoirs brought the mist to my eyes as I could imagine your deep love for their signigance to you. I love the last part that describes the closeness and friendship.. wonderful heartfelt work Lone Wolf!!
Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

7 posted 2000-12-26 09:01 AM


LW this is beautiful ... very touching.
you have written her a wonderful heartfelt and sincere tribute laced with special memories and keepsakes.
Im sorry she was taken too soon.
take care
jm

Some people find subtlety in strangers
if you find anything~let me in
Your eyes~you see everything
my eyes~I see it all together now~and I know

Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
8 posted 2000-12-26 08:00 PM


indeed, she was a woman of great wisdom and special grace. . . you have done her proud. . . I know that she is reading now. . .

-----------------------------------------------------------

That which gives light must endure burning
--Victor Frankl


Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

9 posted 2000-12-27 09:51 AM


Very touching tribute, Lone Wolf.

Denise

peppermint35
Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1106
Texas, USA
10 posted 2000-12-27 11:02 AM


It is obvious to me from reading your words that the very best thing she made was you...wonderful and full of love, your heart spoke out loud and clear

Pepper
"A poem is the very image of life expressed in its eternal truth."
Percy Bysshe Shelley

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
11 posted 2000-12-27 11:34 AM


wow, thanx for this heartwrenching piece...i almost feel like trespassing on your soul

hugs

SpitFire
Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396

12 posted 2000-12-27 12:16 PM


~Jenn,...warm hugs your way, and lots of *Peace.
a_little_girl
Member
since 2000-05-08
Posts 307
San Alejandro, HI, USA
13 posted 2000-12-27 01:21 PM


*sniffle* This is a brilliant way to express a sadness for the one that you lost. This is so...sad   .
< !signature-->

"My soul lives in love, walks with serenity, and dies in violence."
--ALG



[This message has been edited by a_little_girl (edited 12-27-2000).]

Munda
Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544
The Hague, The Netherlands
14 posted 2000-12-27 03:06 PM


LW what a beautiful poem of precious memories. It touched me deeply. My mother left us 4 years ago and my Christmas was filled with memories too. I wanted to write something about it, but couldn't find the words. You did. Thank you.  
Lone Wolf
Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842
Lansing, MI USA
15 posted 2000-12-28 07:14 AM


EagleScorpion . . . Thank you and yes, someday we will meet again.

Kathleen . . . From the heart always my friend.  And yes, I know what a doily is!! The memories will last forever.  God Bless you.  

M_E . . . You are welcome for sharing them.  The ones that are gone always remain close in our hearts.  I am fortunate to have had her for as long as I did.  Love and hugs to you.  

Sunshine . . . Indeed we have much in common my friend.  I am sorry for you loss.  I know it is never easy regardless of how much time goes by.  The material things are special to me, but I treasure the memories of us together.  I am glad you can find comfort in the gifts she gave you.  I too have some special things from my mom such as the wedding ring she wore for 42 years.  The most prized possession of them all to me.  Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Tracie . . . You are welcome.  Thank you fo rreading my dear friend.  Just the things I saw while I was there for the holidays.

ethome . . . She was a remarkable woman.  Have a tissue for your eyes.  I loved her more than I could ever love anyone.  I will miss her until we meet again.  Thanks for reading.

JM . . . Thank you my friend.  I have the memories and some material things she gave me, but most of all her love lives in my heart.  I am sorry she was taken too, but for all things there is a reason.  God must  have needed another angel that day.

Sven . . . As you know, she was a special woman.  I know in my heart she is proud and that she reads always.  Thank you.

Denise . . . Thank you.

Peppermint . . . I think maybe you are right.  I know the best of her lives in me.   This is my heart for all to see.

kaile . . . Trespass away my friend.  You are welcome.  Hugs back.  

SF . . . Thank you.  Hugs to you (lots) and peace in the new year.  We'll talk soon.  

ALG . . . Thank you.  Sorry to make you sad.  It was meant to be a tribute of all the good, but came out with some sadness.  I find comfort in the memories though.

Munda . . . So sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad you can remember her.   You are welcome and I am touched to have helped you at this time.  Thank you for reading.  She is with you always.  Remember that.  



Poetry should surprise by fine excess...it should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts and appear almost a remembrance. -J.Keats

Butterflies_dont_cry
Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733
Michigan
16 posted 2000-12-28 07:19 AM


This is beautiful LW...your mother's heart
shines through you with every beat...I know
she's looking down and is proud of the
person that you have become....AW hugs my
friend~

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
17 posted 2000-12-28 09:13 AM


"I sit looking back at your memories
In wonder I'm filled with awe
I feel as if I'm on hallowed ground
Trespassing on the landscape of your dreams
Although I know deep down inside
You are here beside me in spirit"

What a magnificent treasure-trove of memories Lone Wolf. You got the tears going on this end my dear ... no words beyond this, just many hugs to you for this beautiful poem ...

Best wishes and hugs,
/Kit

Passions Voice
Member
since 2000-10-23
Posts 291
Michigan
18 posted 2000-12-28 12:59 PM


Wonderful Lone Wolf, I know that you have done her proud.

passion is life. . . ~Diana


Irish Rose
Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263

19 posted 2000-12-28 01:13 PM


Had to read again, it's so beautiful.

"Every man dies.
Not every man truly lives."
Braveheart



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