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Martie
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since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California

0 posted 2001-02-09 09:17 PM



Paper Memories


How could I not write of her
not write of her in February
when her blushed cheeks glowed
and she wanted to wear
those flannel pajamas with feet
all the time

I have her blue blanket
torn and blistered from her dragging
and did you know that it was mine too
put away in tissue and wrapped with love
like brand new when I gave it to her
she took it with her all around
and now it fades away in the box
with the drawings and hand prints
that I cannot look at most times
for I am not brave enough
to count the tears she shed
learning the alphabet
or laughs that are there
in paper memories

I know I build this month
with layers of years and days
of springs and summers when to capture her
is not what I think of every morning
not a wisp of her all day creeps
past good old time that heals all things
except for mothers
and I’m thankful for the wound

It is like her pointing a finger at me
and saying I am still with you
was a part of you
and always always will be there
to drop tinsel on your February
and dance around in the attic of your mind
making footprints that you can feel
with your living

So forgive me all who read again and again
in February of the time so long ago
when youth was mine
and I thought all things were possible
for I cannot not write of her in February
it is all that I have

© Copyright 2001 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
Poet deVine
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since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
1 posted 2001-02-09 09:49 PM


Tears here. In rememberance of her and comfort for you. I understand.
VAS
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450
Oregon
2 posted 2001-02-09 10:26 PM


This is so absolutely lovely...but the final stanza hurts.  It hurts so much.
Nan
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
3 posted 2001-02-09 10:32 PM


February is a simply fine month to reflect upon the smiles within your heart... This is lovely, Martie..

Waft every crest upon your destined sea.
Embrace the Wave of Serendipity,
Lest its elusive arcane ecstasy
Refurl with sail for all eternity.

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

4 posted 2001-02-09 10:48 PM


How could I not write of her
not write of her in February
when her blushed cheeks glowed
=======================
she took it with her all around
and now it fades away in the box
with the drawings and hand prints
that I cannot look at most times
for I am not brave enough
to count the tears she shed
learning the alphabet
or laughs that are there
in paper memories

I know I build this month
with layers of years and days
of springs and summers when to capture her
is not what I think of every morning
not a wisp of her all day creeps
past good old time that heals all things
except for mothers

and I’m thankful for the wound

It is like her pointing a finger at me
and saying I am still with you
was a part of you
and always always will be there
to drop tinsel on your February
and dance around in the attic of your mind
making footprints that you can feel
with your living

So forgive me all who read again and again
in February of the time so long ago
when youth was mine
and I thought all things were possible
for I cannot not write of her in February
it is all that I have
=========================

forgive you? ... and your one of the bravest here ...
forgive me for not having the all the poetic & perfect expressions to tell you how this poem takes my breath away right along with my words and my tears and my heart.
But for some things there simply are no words
none that would do this kind of loss justice ...
but your words do her memory such graceful cherish ...
and I am grateful to get to read every last one your heart needs to pen.
love you Martie



Heaven bound on wings of love,
there's so much that you can rise above.
I surrender heart and soul,
sacrificed to a higher goal.
~DepechMode~




[This message has been edited by Janet Marie (edited 02-09-2001).]

Rosemary J. Gwaltney
Senior Member
since 1999-08-26
Posts 997
northern mountains, Idaho
5 posted 2001-02-09 11:01 PM


Oh, Martie, you bring Michelle to living technicolor so beautifully! I'm so sorry, and I think it's wonderful when you write of her! She was a special little girl, I can tell, and the more you write, the more I feel I know her. Much love, my friend!

.


The spiritual wind that holds survivors aloft, plants the seeds from which bloom new hope ... R.J.G.


CocoBaci
Member Elite
since 2000-05-06
Posts 3043

6 posted 2001-02-09 11:41 PM


Martie, I am honored that you share your heartNsoul with us through poetic reflections and sweetie, ya went and touched my heart again...
Hugs2UalwaysDearPoetFriend
~coco~

Balladeer
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
7 posted 2001-02-09 11:48 PM


Few women can make me cry, Martie...but you are one...

I have no words for this poem.....

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
8 posted 2001-02-09 11:55 PM


Thank you, my friends, for sharing Michelle with me.
Wilfred Yeats
Member Elite
since 2000-08-04
Posts 2704
Wilmington, Delaware
9 posted 2001-02-10 12:58 PM


Who could not ? Michelle is the embodiment of all an Eight year old precious little girl should be - - never doubt I (and I think all of us) share your memories and love
Mark Bohannan
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269
In the winds of Cherokee song
10 posted 2001-02-11 10:41 AM


There are times when I don't mind shedding a tear or two and this is one of them.  Such a beautiful and strong heart of love you have my friend.  You have more strength than most I know and you NEVER have to apologize for spreading your heart on the pages for us.
Sending huge hugs to you my friend.

If you find yourself stranded in a storm
...then reach for my hand and we will play in the puddles together

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
11 posted 2001-02-11 10:44 AM


Mark and Bill...You are both such loving souls...I thank you for that.
Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
12 posted 2001-02-11 11:12 AM


Martie~
How not, indeed ....
Michelle lives on because of your memories -
always write of her to share with us.
*Hugs* sweet sister of my heart.
~*Marge*~


~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


Severn
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704

13 posted 2001-02-11 01:04 PM


Martie...

there are few poems that reduce me to tears.

You, and your heart, and your loss, and your darling girl combine to make one long poem that expresses all the grief of bereaved mothers...

Hugs dear...

love, Kamla


- it was not an
unmusical sound: long, falling, half a sigh,
like wind in the wires, or a train distancing.

The Muse of Distance, A. Williamson

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
14 posted 2001-02-13 12:40 PM


And the tears flow without shame... for a little girl whose visit was too brief and for a mother whose love is everlasting. This is stunning, Martie.
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