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Open Poetry #18
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2002-01-15 04:40 AM



Changing

My footprint does not represent a footstep of my own
I feel my hands are hands that don’t belong to me alone
My mind is not the one that was bestowed to me at birth
The only thing that still remains is beauty of the earth

My arms are now too weak to lift the smallness of a child
My feet don’t care to tread the lengthy distance of a mile
My table is a place where with deliberateness I dine
The only thing that stays the same is love I know is mine

My simple tasks are finished at a slightly slower pace
And I can see the shadows of concern upon your face
For things are changing gradually, it’s obvious to me
That the only thing unaltered are the rhythms of the sea

Seasons come and go and spin forever round the sun
Things you take for granted are the things that come undone
Nobody need explain the upward path that lies ahead
The only thing that doesn’t change, is red of cardinal red

As long as roses open to the light of early morn
As long as each sweet child cries of life when it is born
As long as I can hear a grandchild whispering my name
I’ll be in peace and comfort knowing all has stayed the same

Elizabeth Santos

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (01-15-2002 07:59 AM).]

© Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2002-01-15 06:45 AM



A most valiant, emotional piece of introspective writing, Elizabeth.  I have a friend whose husband suffers with this disease.  I would like to be able to share this with her.  I think if he were a poet, his thoughts would be the same.  May I share this?  

Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada
2 posted 2002-01-15 06:55 AM


"Seasons come and go and spin forever round the sun
Things you take for granted are the things that come undone"

"As long as I can hear a grandchild whispering my name
I’ll be in peace and comfort knowing all has stayed the same"

Liz, I do believe every piece I read of yours becomes a timeless classic to me, and this is a true example, my friend. Beautifully rhythmic and flowing, with an inspirational message that will be felt by all who are blessed to read your sentiments. Truly a beautiful piece.  

Best wishes and big hugs,
/Kit

[This message has been edited by Kit McCallum (01-15-2002 06:55 AM).]

Poet deVine
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
3 posted 2002-01-15 08:16 AM


Your beauty and bravery shine in this Liz. Somehow you always know just what to say. I think this should be submitted to a magazine for publication. You are in my thoughts and prayers - and keep listening to the little ones, they are God's reward for us.
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
4 posted 2002-01-15 08:16 AM


Karilea, Thank you and of course you may use it in any way you wish. I woukd be happy if you would share it with someone who is in this situation

Kit, Thank you my sister, twin in poetry. You warm my heart

Liz

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
5 posted 2002-01-15 08:18 AM


Thank you, Poet Devine, for your kind words
You and others have been a great inspiration to me
Liz

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
6 posted 2002-01-15 08:28 AM




(tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, our hearts all go out to you and join with you in your prayers for everyone who lives with this disease. (big hugggssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, may we all reach out to the children with a smile of faith and joy and find the remedy of love and hope in a smile! (kiss on cheek) We all love you so much, sweet friend, I too would love to share this! We all love you so much, sweet friend! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

True Reflections
Member
since 2001-12-04
Posts 143
Ohio, USA
7 posted 2002-01-15 09:52 AM


Elizabeth,
You've truly captured the pain of a horrible disease. Like a balloon leaving his hand and can't be retrieved. He can watch it and admire it, but can no longer hold it or control it. You see the world with eyes wide open.
........................Sorry, I sighed and passed out from lack of oxygen. Another wonderful effort (your poem, I mean).

Roger

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

8 posted 2002-01-15 09:54 AM


Oh, God, sweet lady, I have goose bumps all over.
I dont know what to say to something so moving
and so ....brave.

Kathleen--(Kay)
A true friend does not love you for who you are, but in spite of who you are." -- Caroline Tran

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
9 posted 2002-01-15 10:10 AM


Liz--You are beautiful in your grace of acceptance and in the way you see the world.  Count me among the many who are amazed by your sweet spirit's outlook on life.  You are a poet of exception and a friend I love dearly.  Hugs!
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
10 posted 2002-01-15 10:19 AM


Elizabeth,
God bless you sweet poetess.

Auguste
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since 2000-02-16
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By the sea
11 posted 2002-01-15 12:55 PM


Liz,

This touched me very deeply.  Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.  Yes, this should be submitted for publication.  

Michael

Michael Auguste~
There is more depth to the heart than the mind can comprehend and it only has boundaries when we choose to fence it in.  

RosePetal
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Member Elite
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985
South Florida
12 posted 2002-01-15 01:04 PM


It saddens me to see people suffer from diseases. Michael J Fox also has this disease It is an honor to read your poetry, Thank you for sharing. God Bless

RP

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
13 posted 2002-01-15 01:20 PM


God bless you for writing this beautiful and sensitive poem, Liz.
Please submit it for publication, where it will be seen by a large segment of the public.
My first husband, who died in May of 99, was the discoverer of Mirapex, the new anti-parkinson's drug, so I have some familiarity with the disease...and your poem does a beautiful job of describing it.

copyright2001 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

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

14 posted 2002-01-15 01:25 PM


My footprint does not represent a footstep of my own
I feel my hands are hands that don?t belong to me alone
My mind is not the one that was bestowed to me at birth

The only thing that still remains is beauty of the earth

                                  
The only thing that stays the same is love I know is mine
My simple tasks are finished at a slightly slower pace
And I can see the shadows of concern upon your face
For things are changing gradually, it?s obvious to me
That the only thing unaltered are the rhythms of the sea

Seasons come and go and spin forever round the sun
Things you take for granted are the things that come undone

                                    
As long as I can hear a grandchild whispering my name
I?ll be in peace and comfort knowing all has stayed the same
==============================================

I dont know which is more touching and impressive about this piece...
the fragile, vulnerabilityof its words ... the honesty of it...the bravery...or the sincere wisdom it speaks of ... all these things tied up in a bow of your gift of cadence makes for further proof that you are indeed "grace under pressure" and a poetess of grace.
Bless you dear Liz...your spirit is an example for us all.

[This message has been edited by Janet Marie (01-15-2002 04:42 PM).]

Hypnosis
Member
since 2001-12-02
Posts 325
CO
15 posted 2002-01-15 02:27 PM


This touched me very deeply, it is very true that the things that we take for granted are the things that come undone.  We don't know what we really have until something happens and everything has changed.  You have a beautiful heart for sharing this.  I thank you!

     Randy Meador

a life lived unexplored is a life not worth living.

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
16 posted 2002-01-16 02:09 AM


I was very touched by your responses to this poem. I have had the desease for about 4 years and mine is progressing slowly, so in my case the chances are very good that a cure will be found that will benefit me. If not for this situation, I never would have started writing poetry.
Roger, please hold on to your baloons!
Thank you all
Liz

Mysteria
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since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
17 posted 2002-01-16 04:03 AM


Elizabeth, I read and re-read this heartfelt poem and am still at a loss for all the words I need to fully comment here.  I know several things that haven't changed about you that are so important, like your spirit, your loving and giving heart, your ability to laugh and yes, also to cry, your ability to share all of the aforementioned in some of the most beautiful poetry ever to be seen by my eyes.  I can't forget to mention that your "brain exercises" are a God-given gift and I have yet to hear of him taking one back   , and the goodness of your heart shares this poetry of perfection with us each and every single day!  Every day!  So you may walk a little slower, and things may not be quite the same, but today I have to tell you I have never been prouder of a friend in my entire life, because Lady Santos, one thing for sure hasn't changed - your are one "gutsy lady", and I love you to bits and wanted you to know that!  

~*  CARPE' DIEM  *~

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (01-16-2002 04:05 AM).]

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
18 posted 2002-01-16 04:34 AM


Well, you have me in tears, and we are missing each other by seconds, so check you e-mail, dearlady Mysteria. I would also like to repeat that all of your comments touched me deeply. Madam Chipmunk, how coincidental that your husband was involved with this, and so you know a lot about what's going on. I am so certain a cure will come within the nexy 8 to 10 years, and then all neurological deseases will reap the benefits,
Thank you Sharon for you loving comments
I still hug real good, so here's a big hug to all
Liz

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

19 posted 2002-01-16 06:27 AM


A very lovely and intense write Liz, touching deeply on a subject that so many have had to deal with.  Well done.  *s*

On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free.
~Me~

(I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance~Garth)

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
20 posted 2002-01-16 07:46 AM


My dear sweet wonderful friend... We are blessed.. Blessed to have a Grace such as yours touch our lives each and every day... Please know that with each small physical setback you encounter, your wonderful mind takes a giant step forward..

You are loved - by a truly wonderful and supportive family - both in your personal life and in your Passionate one...

This is an exquisite work...
Love you Liz...

suthern
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Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
21 posted 2002-01-16 11:44 AM


Your grace is equaled only by your talent... and both leave me in awe! *S* I would never be able to bring myself to say I'm glad you have this disease for a soul as kind and gentle as yours deserves only joy... but I'm so very glad you started writing poetry!!! I'm a pessimist who doesn't believe much in silver linings... but some of the most beautiful words I've ever read have come from your pen... I simply cannot imagine a world where these poems I treasure didn't exist.

As long as this heart's beating and these eyes are offered sight
I'll consider it an honor to read everything you write. *S*

Honeybee
Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372
Ontario, CANADA
22 posted 2002-01-16 01:05 PM



Liz, this is so touching, graceful and inspirational.  You are one classy lady!  My thoughts are with you

Take care,
Melissa~

"Poetry is not an opinion expressed...
it is a song that rises from a bleeding
wound...or a smiling mouth"

~Kahlil Gibran~

strbbux
Member Elite
since 2001-12-19
Posts 3859

23 posted 2002-01-16 01:43 PM


My Dear Friend Elizabeth... I am so sorry, I knew not of this illness. And although mine is much more minor, we have another thing in common. As I have Fibromyalgia and it is somewhat debilitating. I cannot lift anything more than five pounds...I cried with this poem. I am so very happy that you can write about it. I believe it helps to write and share with friends. You are in my prayers, lovely poet and friend that you are, floria
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
24 posted 2002-01-16 02:08 PM


Thank you dear friends for your loving comments.I am familiar, Floria, with Fibromyalgia, and like Parkinsons, you don't quite know what to expect when you wake up in the morning. They both manifest themselves in ways we don't expect.I wish you well with this very painful and mysterious desease. Thank you for sharing.
I am warmed by all the comments to this poem
Liz

kaile
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since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
25 posted 2002-01-16 07:43 PM


i am impressed with your strength and with your quiet acceptance of your illness...May God bless
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