Where Was I When... (Duet w/Lady In White)

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Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2003-10-19 12:44 PM

Thank you Lady, for this moment...

You were there, standing in the doorway.
The look of left behind eyes so pitifully
telling me that right time was never there,
to say “Goodbye”.

Yet, we knew that simple life sometimes
became complex...that journeys oft
took a hand away as the yearning heart
beat frantically before the sob.

We pulled slowly apart each time.
I, going down that asphalt ribbon to
earn the green that kept the loaf fresh.
You, those emerald eyes sparkling,
yet dulling slightly....needing polish.

Where was I when....
                  ~~~
I saw you turn away, squaring shoulders
Much too young for such responsibilities
A heft of child upon the hip, a coo of voice
Within my ear, the sound of your “Goodbye”

Your uniform was more than crisp
As you walked off to our “security”
But me here at home, you there, overseas
Lent only the blanket of reality

What more could I do to ensure your safety
The letters promised, all sealed with kiss,
Photos of a child without her father
And me, there, in the dusk
Dulling slightly, needing polish

Where was I when…
                  ~~~
My lip trembled each time,  my eyes bled.
My heart sank into insecurity and dread.
My hand gripped those bags ever so tight
for in each one lay a small part of you.

I loved you,  yet I cursed you.
You gave me so much,  yet never seeming enough.
Homecomings so hard,  you the boss, me the maid.
And each thought took me lustfully toward you.

I hated each time,  each and every one.
For I left part of me behind,  frowning, crying.
And each time,  the polish I forgot,
well,  it just seemed to fade,  dulling slightly.

Where was I when..
                  ~~~
The forty years have passed in whirl
Still I see the ache inside
I never questioned the silent times
Not even when you said, “Goodbye”

For in this heart you’ve always stayed
Your children, grown, with babes of their own
What do you see in your mind’s eye?
The ache of when, when you said, Goodbye?
                  ~~~
I saw the stream of tearful cheeks,  of
gardens bare, in need of touch.  I saw the
years that changed us both,  yet left us with
so very much.  I saw the polish that faded to
dull,  that left you blind to my eye.  I saw
your heartache as I recalled the moments of
a silent goodbye...

I see you now,  a queen born of an age where
warriors left the home to kill.  I see you,
there upon that stage.  In want of what will
keep us still.  Our hands are worn,
our hearts now slow,  and all I wish...is
that you know...

I cherish your earth,  I sail your sky.  I
hold onto your hand...till the day when we
both soar beyond "goodbye".

[This message has been edited by Magnus (10-19-2003 01:03 PM).]

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

1 posted 2003-10-19 01:00 PM

The joy and sorrow is evident,
and yes, time can do so much.

You two are a lovely combined reflection
and I so enjoyed reading this.

Gosh, where was I when!
This is so beautiful!

Goodknight
Member Elite

since 2002-06-15

Posts 2386
Ohio, USA

2 posted 2003-10-19 02:12 PM

very beautiful - wonderfully written - loved it - you two did great - Paul

angelblueyes
Member Elite

since 2003-07-19

Posts 2148
Oklahoma

3 posted 2003-10-19 02:21 PM

You two are an amazing pair and a joy to read.

Crystal

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

4 posted 2003-10-19 02:52 PM

Goodness, what a beautiful poem you two did. This is so pretty. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hugs to you both

Ethel

Patricia
Member Elite

since 2003-04-06

Posts 2160
Missouri

5 posted 2003-10-19 03:52 PM

Well, here is your friend who can't keep a lid on her emotions today...and I blame the both of you for these tears. This is incredible...I can't begin to tell you how this has impacted me...particularly in my thoughts of someone I thought I had forgotten.

Wonderful duet, Lady and Magnus, just wonderful.

Patricia

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

6 posted 2003-10-19 08:39 PM

Hey you guys....where was the kleenex alert?? Wonderfully woven story...filled with heart. Bravo!!! Hugs to you both!

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

7 posted 2003-10-19 08:52 PM

Bravo you two!!
What a wonderful love story...spanning decades.
Very much enjoyed!!
~smiles and hugs to you both~

~Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile~

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

8 posted 2003-10-19 08:58 PM

Bluesy...thanx dear lady,  it was an easy
write for me.........very close to home,
so to speak...and of course I had a sterling
assist...

Paul,  thanx my friend....pleased you enjoyed.

Crystal,  thanx for your thoughts,  pleased
you too enjoyed this...

Ethel,  am glad you enjoyed the read, though
a little long...but sometimes it just has
to be.

Patricia,  you always have a mouthfull to
say...and I love it...  Funny huh,  how
so much of our lives are on parallels, no
matter who or where we are?

Martie,  passing the tissues dear one.  Glad
ya liked it....but I had a professional
assist, and that helps a lot...

Nance,  thanx dear lady,  and I love the
smell of WS....Now...when are WE gonna duet?

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

9 posted 2003-10-20 01:07 AM

Nice writing...James

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

10 posted 2003-10-20 08:11 AM

Very nicely done - from two of our best...

Cpat Hair

Member Patricius

since 2001-06-05

Posts 11793

11 posted 2003-10-20 08:58 AM

you two done real good.. but then what would one expect..but you two to do real good?

Lady In White

Member Elite

since 2001-02-12

Posts 2799
USA

12 posted 2003-10-20 09:26 AM

Magnus, it is always a thrill to duet with you. I never know what to expect, but always pleased with the way our efforts turn out. Thank you for your time, and thanks to all who have shared in our poetic joining.

vandana

Member Patricius

since 1999-10-22

Posts 10463
USA

13 posted 2003-10-20 10:15 AM

nice duet

Greeneyes

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-09-09

Posts 9903
In Your Poetic Mind

14 posted 2003-10-20 10:55 AM

Stunning.....so much emotion....and the blend was perfect....hugsssssx2

Lauren~

Will the wind ever remember
the names it has blown in the past
with its crutch, its old age, and its
wisdom it whispers no this won't be the last

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

15 posted 2003-10-20 04:27 PM

Lady, you have been a most gracious part of
this collaboration.....Is always a pleasure
writing a topic with you....we shall again.

And to all of our friends, I thank you for
your warm reviews...

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