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Open Poetry #36
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Martie
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0 posted 2005-11-23 12:48 PM


This Tall and Slender Tree, He

This was the time a year ago
when I feared the color of the future
dark were her threads and he was falling
into the dry dirt dead

I was grateful for the sky then
and the purple heads of iris
even the bubbles from fish a river running
and especially for
the most kindly eyes of children

To kiss the hurt away I swore each day
to be soft comfort and yet strong
I could and would hold him feed him
all day and night long

I would be fast ready with a smile
and sing his favorite anything
tender skin rub with oils
and clean the throw up pan again
and then again be at its mercy
it was so thirsty

Now he lives!
he cleared the road with brave small knife
and took each turn with curve to right
he mourned the poems in my head
I was so full of fear and dread

And though I cried then all the time
he didn’t see the rivulets run
the cheeks he loved instead he thought were comely
and even what was bliss the most to feel
is not a joke that grows now is for real

Alive alight with what could be
sure his feet are not for slipping
this year I hit my knees for giving
another year with me this tall and slender tree    

he
  ------------
for my husband Taylor who won his fight with cancer, I am grateful

© Copyright 2005 Martie Odell Ingebretsen - All Rights Reserved
suthern
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Louisiana
1 posted 2005-11-23 12:57 PM


What a beautiful poem of thanksgiving and love. *S*
inkedgoddess
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since 2002-11-19
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Ohio
2 posted 2005-11-23 01:05 PM


beautifull and inspiration
full of love and devotion at its finest hour

Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
3 posted 2005-11-23 01:08 PM


Dear Martie
the love, devotion and thankfulness that poured
from your pen in this writing
reduced me to tears..I am so pleased to hear
that Taylor is doing well.
May you both have a blessed Thanksgiving,
especially after the turmoil and stuggle of the past year.
Hugs and luv to you both, Nancy.

Aenimal
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since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
4 posted 2005-11-23 01:15 PM


i've said in a few replies today but it's true, i don't reply much but i always read and you are and always will be a favourite of mine. hugs
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
5 posted 2005-11-23 01:17 PM



Alive, alight...

~*~

So many reasons
to give Thanks this season...

Taylor being a shining example
of what Love can pull through the needle's eye...

to both of you...

Love,

Sissie

.

RMW
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since 2001-03-21
Posts 1424

6 posted 2005-11-23 01:54 PM


Such a wonderful reason for giving Thanks. Keeping you both in my prayers, Martie. Bob
Susan Caldwell
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since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
7 posted 2005-11-23 01:58 PM


Oh Martie, this is something to be most grateful for..

so many are not blessed so.  



and a reminder to all that there is always someone with a heavier load..

"too bad ignorance isn't painful"
~Unknown~

Ratleader
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8 posted 2005-11-23 02:28 PM


It heals my own heart to see this poem....I don't doubt that you understood these words in my own poem ( /pip/Forum93/HTML/001231.html   ) were Taylor's when I wrote them...and now I can say it for everyone.

I know a man
too gentle for the world,
so bruised, so bruised;
somehow he finds the strength
to stand and take it yet again,
like flowers patiently regrowing
after fire and storm,
while life drains more of life
out of his weary frame.

You love him, and if he
could heal and grow and bloom,
be strong again for you...
I found a place for such a man,
a valley of green and sheltered cliffs,
soft rain, cool sun, where always
there is growth and gentle life;
I made a prayer within that place
the way Hawaiians do,
of hope and love, of leaf and stone,
and left it there for him, for you.

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

Martie
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California
9 posted 2005-11-23 02:30 PM


Yes, dear Ed...I know, and I have no doubt that your prayer was instramental to his healing.  I thank you from a humbled heart.  
Martie
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California
10 posted 2005-11-23 02:32 PM


Thank you my Pip friends for replying to this with such loving words.  I haven't been able to write for some time, today a chip came out of the dam...perhaps more will fall into the river, with time.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  
Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
11 posted 2005-11-23 02:32 PM


Martie - a very special poem about a very special man from a very special woman - I so enjoy seeing both of you and am so very Thankful also that Taylor is still talking cars and flowers and music with m e when I visit - I am thankful that you are such a good friend also - love both of you - Paul
Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115
South Africa
12 posted 2005-11-23 02:48 PM


Dear Martie - Between each letter of this beautiful poem (and one doesn't need a magnifying glass) the word "love" jumps out and hits one between the eyes.  My best wishes to you both and I'm sure this thanksgiving day will be especially meaningful.    
Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
13 posted 2005-11-23 03:03 PM


quote:
...today a chip came out of the dam...perhaps more will fall into the river, with time.


It happens that way, Sissie...

and such it is,
that even when we can't walk
in the forest,

we still feel it
when the redwood crashes...


and know the sound.



.

Earth Angel
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since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
14 posted 2005-11-23 07:12 PM


I am so happy for you both that there was Light at the end of that long, dark tunnel!

Indeed, you have a lot to be "Thankful" for this Thanksgiving! God bless you all.

An extremely moving piece of writing from your very core.

Love & Healing Light,
Linda
  

Thanksgiving Dinner

icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
15 posted 2005-11-23 08:25 PM


Thank you for sharing this giving of thanks!

I wish you both all the best!!!!!!!

*hug*

ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
16 posted 2005-11-23 09:31 PM


Martie

The tree metaphor is indeed effective.
You have used it very well...
*
A tall slender tree
A little weak but standing
By love, is healing

A nearby flower watches
Tending its needs with her heart
*
Peace to you and the tall slender tree,
dear flower..

-----------ice
    ><>

Nightshade
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just out of reach
17 posted 2005-11-23 09:35 PM


What a blessing! The Lord has looked warmly down upon the brave love your husband and you share Martie. This Thanksgiving is truly a celebration.
Holiday Hugs, Chris

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.
~Carl Sandburg

andy04
Junior Member
since 2005-11-16
Posts 22
New South Wales
18 posted 2005-11-23 10:25 PM


i was very touched when i read this.
i hope you both remain happy.

andy04

the simplest thing in life is love
the difficult thing in life
is finding your true love!

Mysteria
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British Columbia, Canada
19 posted 2005-11-24 12:47 PM


It sure has been quite a year for so many, and for some, even a happy ending.  I am so thankful for that. Here's to you both, and to a beautiful Thanksgiving poem.
latearrival
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since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
20 posted 2005-11-24 12:55 PM


Martie, Very touching. From one old lady who has been there...  now just make each day count and enjoy. The best is yet to come.    Blessings to you both. martyjo
iliana
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since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
21 posted 2005-11-24 03:04 AM


Martie, what a wonderful piece this is!!!!  And even more so, is your wonderful miracle!  Happy Thanksgiving!   ....jo
nakdthoughts
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Between the Lines
22 posted 2005-11-24 07:42 AM


I love this Martie...

with tears in my eyes, I can say no more in type

to you and yours and have a Wonderful Thanksgiving
M


Dark Stranger
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since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631
West Coast
23 posted 2005-11-24 08:36 AM


there are battles
and there are wars
and there are times of peace
when only the prayers wear ribbons

enjoyed you here ms martie


Marge Tindal
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Florida's Foreverly Shores
24 posted 2005-11-24 02:20 PM


MartieSis~
Just as I sent prayers in time of need,
I now send praise to Him for the healing of Taylor~

This is a joyous time of the heart~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*No matter what I search for ...
let me know when it is LOVE that I find*~ <))><

Email -   noles1@totcon.com   

Dark Angel
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since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

25 posted 2005-11-24 02:35 PM


This is incredibly beautiful Martie...give him a hug from me ok? And here's a hug for you

m xx

how i would love you, love you as no one ever did! Die and still, love you more. And still love you more..and more
~Neruda~

Janet Marie
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since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

26 posted 2005-11-25 09:06 AM


And though I cried then all the time
he didn’t see the rivulets run
the cheeks he loved instead he thought were comely
and even what was bliss the most to feel
is not a joke that grows now is for real

Alive alight with what could be
sure his feet are not for slipping
this year I hit my knees for giving
another year with me this tall and slender tree    

he

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

and there will be many more lovely leafs to write of this tree.
yessss ... Happy Thanksgiving

Thru the water...thru the rain
To the soul of everything
Throw my heart out on the stones
And I'm almost gone

D.Gray

Gentle Spirit
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since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

27 posted 2005-11-25 09:09 AM




you, this...

so special...

Martie.

Magnus
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28 posted 2005-11-25 06:22 PM


and you could not have said it better...

I am thankful as well and I hope you and
your husband continue to have many happy
and wonderful moments for years to come.

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
29 posted 2005-11-25 06:55 PM


How beautiful and touching, dear Martie. You really give a special meaning to this Thanksgiving.

Your words are a gift of love, to your husband and to the readers as well.

God bless.

Love and hugs.
Margherita

Midnitesun
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Gaia
30 posted 2005-11-25 07:05 PM


~heartfelt happy hugs to both of you~
and thanking you, sister Martie
for sharing the heart and essence
of Thanksgiving

pictureme2
Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194

31 posted 2005-11-25 11:14 PM


Dearest Martie,
I could relate to your poem, hit home base in alot of places.
Blessings to you and your tree!
Thanks for sharing this.
pictureme2

kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
32 posted 2005-11-26 12:06 PM


This is a beautifully written piece.  Such strength between you two that you have forged!  May it only grow stronger.  Hugs Ken

Through rubble and trouble and dark of night
The yawn of a dawn will hasten the light

Paul Wilson
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33 posted 2005-11-26 12:16 PM


Martie...I am so happy for you and Taylor. I'm sure you played a big part is his will to beat this terrible demon. Bless both of you for not giving up...Paul

The poem...As always a heart touching masterpiece.

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

34 posted 2005-11-26 12:58 PM


OH sweet marite...

forgive me for not checking in with you sooner.

Am I too late to share a celebratory hug?

I love you lady!

Martie
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California
35 posted 2005-11-26 05:50 PM


Thank you, my friends, for the replies.  
lucky
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since 2000-01-17
Posts 1601
Idaho
36 posted 2005-11-30 03:04 AM


I too am blessed. Dropped a short line to ya on the 29th.

Stay Blessed, Dale

Speaking of ghosts, wouldn't you know here comes mine again...
~Rosemary J. Gwaltney~


Corinne
Member Ascendant
since 1999-10-28
Posts 5167
state of confusion
37 posted 2005-11-30 11:00 AM


This is such a tender poem, Martie. Full of heart.


Corinne

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