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Open Poetry #21
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Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan

0 posted 2002-07-08 07:18 PM


~The Stone~





Just yesterday his hug was warm
lopsided grin so wide
his tawny hair, a tangled mess
my tears have not yet dried

today I bought a stone for him
carved from a mother's tears
her heart broken into pieces
one for each of his years

headstone
tombstone
gravestone
deathstone
he lies beneath the earth
alone

his pall encased in rites of dirt
sealed soft with weedy grace
where saffron sculpted buttercups
are wound with Queen Ann's Lace



he slumbers neath the loamy soil
composing dreams of never
I think he's late for school again
but now, he sleeps forever
~



Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

© Copyright 2002 Lyra Nesius - All Rights Reserved
Martie
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California
1 posted 2002-07-08 07:21 PM


Lyra

Heart hugs to you and understanding of anniversary memories.  

nakdthoughts
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since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
2 posted 2002-07-08 07:21 PM


hugs in remembrance for you

M

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
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Portland, Oregon
3 posted 2002-07-08 07:23 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Lyra, this had me flooding in tears, sweet friend, I know how hard it must feel to deal with losses like these but know deep down that your sons love will always live in your heart and now he rests every day safe and happy in His haven, where he will always be looking down and guiding you with his love! (EXTRA BIG HUGS) My prayers are with you today, sweet friend, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Lyra, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

catalinamoon
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since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
4 posted 2002-07-08 07:52 PM


Lyra, I don't now how you have stood up to so much grief. You are a true heroine.
This is a beautiful poem.
Hugs
Sandra

Lady Lost
Member
since 2000-07-13
Posts 470

5 posted 2002-07-08 08:09 PM


This is a wonderful tribute to your son.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Beth

What is past is prologue;
what to come,
In yours and my discharge.



wranx
Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689
Moved from a shack to a barn
6 posted 2002-07-08 08:30 PM


I don't know what to say, except that your poem is beautiful.

You must be quite a human being to bear up under this. No one should have to mourn the loss of their child.

Heartfelt best wishes for you and yours

~wranx

JP
Senior Member
since 1999-05-25
Posts 1343
Loomis, CA
7 posted 2002-07-08 08:57 PM


I'm speechless.  Touched and speechless.

Yesterday is ash, tomorrow is smoke; only today does the fire burn.
Nil Desperandum, Fata viem invenient

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

8 posted 2002-07-08 09:00 PM


Lrya, beautiful and loving....
sending an understanding hug your way...

Enjoy life, this is NOT a dress rehearsal.

{on the wings of words are spirits fly...and our souls are free~me}


Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
9 posted 2002-07-08 09:02 PM


Martie...thanks so much for understanding.
I also know that there are some things, such as this one...which you wish you did not understand so well.
~ hugs for understanding

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
10 posted 2002-07-08 09:03 PM


Thank you so much, Maureen...
My heart cries in remembrance
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
11 posted 2002-07-08 09:07 PM


Thanks so much, Noah....
This will always be a sad day for me...every year.  Even if something really good happens, I will never forget this date as long as I live.
~ sad sad hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
12 posted 2002-07-08 09:14 PM


Thanks so much, Sandra...
I will never forget the day he died.  I had known David for just a few weeks and it was our first weekend together.
We had been driving around the Chicago area all day and he was showing me all the places where he grew up.  I kept telling him that I was finally happy, after almost 3 yrs of misery between taking care of my first husband when he was sick and also mourning his death.  When we got back to his apartment, there was a call from Victor, my younger son, telling me that Eric had died.
I never cried so hard or so much in my whole life......Its a good thing that I wasn't alone when I found out...
Its also a good thing that we all had David because we needed a "daddy person" around.
With all of my crying....David didn't own any kleenex...so I had to use toilet paper.
The next time I was at his place, I made sure that I brought a couple of boxes and left them there.  The irony is that after he moved here to be with me, and his son was living there...he ran out of toilet paper and ended up using my kleenex to........
~ hugs of hysterical tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
13 posted 2002-07-08 09:16 PM


Thank you so much, Beth...
I haven't seen you here before, but I will look for some of your work.
~ hugs of sadness

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
14 posted 2002-07-08 09:20 PM


Thanks so much for your kind comments, Wranx.
I am not an exceptional person, I am just a person who has had lots of bad luck during the past few years.
I really have no choice but to go on living, because I find the alternative unacceptable...especially since I have actually come pretty close to it.  I am at this moment awaiting results of a biopsy....which should be hopefully, good because they couldn't find the tumor anymore....but I have had a scary year this year....
So, its not bravery, I am actually quite a coward because I'm not brave enough to die.
~ unbrave hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
15 posted 2002-07-08 09:22 PM


Thanks so much, JP...
I am glad that my writing has touched you.
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
16 posted 2002-07-08 09:51 PM




Balladeer
Administrator
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since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
17 posted 2002-07-08 09:53 PM


Allow me to disagree, Madame C. You ARE an exceptional person indeed. Through everything you have endured you have managed to keep a positive outlook, a kind word for everyone and a thankfulness for what you do have.....I admire you tremendously, Lyra. Thank you for being what you are
Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
18 posted 2002-07-08 09:57 PM


Oh Lyra

How deeply saddened I am by your loss and how very moved I was by your words.  I could almost feel your pain and see your heart break.  My thoughts are with you at this sad time, and always.

Take care......Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

mycafe
Senior Member
since 2002-05-23
Posts 584

19 posted 2002-07-08 09:57 PM


This is so sad and absolutely touching.  Thank you for sharing this very personal piece of your heart with us.  I agree with Balladeer totally, you are one exceptional lady and it's a privilege to know you  

~comforting hugs from marie


Keep counting your blessings

[This message has been edited by mycafe (07-08-2002 10:13 PM).]

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
20 posted 2002-07-08 10:01 PM


Thanks so much for the understanding hug, Donna
I really need it tonight...even more than you know.
Of all the nights this has to happen...I am waiting for my doctor to call with the results of my last biopsy.
David and I went to do some errands this afternoon, and when we came back...there was a message from her.  She has NEVER called during the day before this....and now its 10 PM and I still haven't heard back from her.
So, I am just going to let her try and catch me because I can't sit around waiting anymore.
I was supposed to have those results a week ago.
So...this has been a very emotionally challanging day.
~ big teary hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
21 posted 2002-07-08 10:02 PM


Well I can't put that any better than Michael just did but I can add that your Son was a fine looking man who has obviouly left a wonderful legacy for you to spread all that love amongst.  I know that he watches, anI Lyra, he sure looked like you!  Here's a hug to his memory.


Nothing means more to me than faith,
family and my friends.

     Howdy from Canada

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
22 posted 2002-07-08 10:02 PM


With love to you Lyra for sharing your son and your dear dear heart with all of us.  We are truly blessed to have you, you shine like no other and move me deeply with your words of love~  Warm hugs to you always~  
Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
23 posted 2002-07-08 10:05 PM


Thank you for crying with me, Nancy...
It always helps to have company.
Its 10 PM, and I still haven't heard back from Dr.Goodnews.  I probably won't sleep all night tonight, but have decided not to stay here all day and wait for her phone call tomorrow.
If she thought it was urgent enough, then she couldv'e found a few minutes to call me tonight.
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
24 posted 2002-07-08 10:11 PM


Michael...thank you so very much for that unbelievable complement...It is so unbelievable that I don't even believe it myself.  
Honestly, though.....put yourself in my position and I bet that you would be the same way because you are also a very positive spirited person.
I think the poetry writing and Piptalk are what keeps me this way....This is an immense help and so very therapeutic.
I still haven't got the pathology report from my last biopsy and I have been waiting for over a week now...and that is very scary, although I know there is no tumor, I am worried that there will be some cells...and that will definitely be enough to lower my spirits a bit.
~ hugs of positive poetic spirit

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
25 posted 2002-07-08 10:12 PM


Thank you so much for those thoughts, Sue...
This has been a very difficult day.
~ hugs of thanks

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
26 posted 2002-07-08 10:17 PM


Thank you so much for those comforting hugs, Marie...
This has been such a difficult day and I still haven't gotten those pathology results, so tomorrow may be difficult also.
The anniversary of his funeral will be on July 12 and his birthday was Aug 25....those will be bad days too...as well as my first husband's birthday, which was July 25.
This whole time of year is generally difficult for me, and I am so thankful for my friends here at Piptalk for being so very understanding...
and for giving me so many compliments that my head is too big to fit through the door.
~ many warm hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
27 posted 2002-07-08 10:23 PM


Thanks so much, Sharon...As I said to Marie, my head will not fit through the door because of all of these compliments...
but I can't think of myself as brave right now...I am still waiting for those biopsy results and I guess that the best way to describe how I feel right now is "emotionally fragile" and not strong at all....but thanks anyway.
Eric really didn't look that much like me, everyone said he looked like his Dad with my smile on his face, so I guess he was a combination.
Thanks again for the memory hug.
~ hugging you back

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
28 posted 2002-07-08 10:24 PM


Thank you so much, Lori...
I appreciate your thoughts and your kind words, immensely.
~ hugs, wet with tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

passing shadows
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since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
29 posted 2002-07-10 04:31 PM


it never will go away... ...even after 22 years without my mother, it hurts.
Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
30 posted 2002-07-10 04:33 PM


Thanks Dixie...and I know you're right...
I still miss my Dad terribly after 14 yrs.
~ hugs and tears

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

the_loner_23
Member Ascendant
since 2002-06-08
Posts 5479
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
31 posted 2002-07-10 04:33 PM


This is a beautiful tribute to your son.

Cold hands means a warm heart

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
32 posted 2002-07-10 04:35 PM


Thanks so much, Julie...
I miss him terribly.
~ sad sad hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
33 posted 2002-07-10 06:00 PM


Beautiful words for a lovely son...take care Madame...James
Chanson
Senior Member
since 2000-08-19
Posts 1559
Up Creek w/Out Paddle
34 posted 2002-07-10 10:16 PM


Madame Chipmunk, though we are strangers in person I feel a strong sympathetic connection. Please accept these ((((hugs))) of comfort.

More hugs,
Chanson

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
35 posted 2002-07-10 11:37 PM


Thanks so much for your reply, James...
~ many hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

HopeS
Member Elite
since 2000-12-22
Posts 4596
Perth Western Australia
36 posted 2002-07-10 11:38 PM


I have not met you face to face , but you have touched me deeply with the beautiful poem ,
Hugs to you Lyra and keep strong
Hope

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
37 posted 2002-07-10 11:38 PM


Thank you so much for all of those comforting hugs, Chanson...
~ hugs to you too

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
38 posted 2002-07-10 11:41 PM


Thank you so much for your lovely and sensitive reply, Hope
~ sad hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Alwye
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Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850
In the space between moments
39 posted 2002-07-11 12:20 PM


Your sadness is so poignant in your words.  I am sorry for your loss and I hope that you are doing okay as you experience the anniversary of that loss.  I don't have the pleasure of knowing you well, but we are all family here, so I am sending my love and support to you.     

*Krista Knutson*

"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." -Gandhi

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
40 posted 2002-07-11 12:44 PM


Thank you so much, Krista...
I really love this family and I hope to get to know you better...
~ sad hugs of appreciation

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Aimster
Member Elite
since 2000-02-19
Posts 4297
Charlotte, NC
41 posted 2002-07-11 02:08 AM


Lyra,

I could barely get through this whole poem
without my eyes welling up in tears...this
is such a horrible loss you've endured,
one no one should go through, but many
do...heart hugs to you dear friend. you
are one amazing lady!! take care.
amy

"you can't stop
the rain
from pouring down
can't stop the
world from turning 'round
can't stop me from
loving you
no matter
what you do"

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
42 posted 2002-07-11 02:25 AM


Yup...Lyra,
I like it even better illustrated. I am so pleased you share these anniversaries and memories with us. I do indeed love it so much.

Show you care to those you love...today.

Saunni
Senior Member
since 2000-07-11
Posts 1777
West Virginia
43 posted 2002-07-11 08:25 AM


Oh, tears, so many tears, I am speechless. Just the tears, they won't stop...I am so sorry for your loss. Really! Girl, you can write!

Sauni:)The Only Time I See The Sun Is When I'm Within That Vanilla Breeze.The Only Time I'm One With The Sun Is When He Shelters Me From The Rain. L.S

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
44 posted 2002-07-11 09:48 AM


Lyra - my heart and spirit go out to you - Paul
Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
45 posted 2002-07-11 11:57 AM


Thanks so much, Amy...
I actually wrote the original version of this poem on the day we bought the stone, but I have re-written it many times...
I think this is version 7.
The first version was terrible and it was also extremely raw...
Even I couldn't read it without crying...
actually, I have a hard time reading this one without tearing up a bit also...
Frankly, I have a hard time thinking about Eric without tearing up...even now, 2 yrs later.
~ big hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
46 posted 2002-07-11 12:00 PM


Thanks so much, Larry...
David finally re-loaded the printshop pro on my computer and now I can use the photos.
I couldn't use them before because the sizes would come out way too big to post here.
Thanks for sharing this anniversary with me, too....Its very comforting to be able to share it with friends who understand.
This has been one very bad week though....
~ hugs back at you

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
47 posted 2002-07-11 12:01 PM


Thanks so much, Saunni...
that is quite a compliment from one who is such a fine writer, herself.
~ poetic hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
48 posted 2002-07-11 12:02 PM


Thanks so very much for your reply, Paul...
~ thank you hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

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