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Open Poetry #38
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arthur
Senior Member
since 2001-08-14
Posts 678
england

0 posted 2006-06-02 06:22 AM


There was the funeral of course.
A busy time.
No time to think,
People to thank.
Platitudes to give and receive.

Then I took the counselling.
Qualified myself in grief.
I thought I understood,
Was in control.

Tried to remember and smile.
How you answered the telephone.
Your Donald Duck impression,
So accurate.
Hear you singing:

"Farewell and adieu to you Spanish ladies,
Farewell and adieu to you ladies of Spain."

Time has past,the grief returns,
I go daily to that room.

The silent movements of the nurses,
As they enter and leave,
Checking drips.

A machine with coloured lights that flicker.
A screen,
Meaningless changing numbers.

Throught that long bright day,
Trolleys pass,telephones ring,muted talk.
Into the ever darkening night,
I sit with my child.

The expresionless faces of the doctors.
Which I search in hope.
And find none.

You keep pulling your oxygen mask off.
I put it so gently back, as I have been taught.
Your final words:I cannot understand.
Incoherent ,yet precious

"Sign the boy"

What does it mean?
I do not know.
I cannot understand .
Why You?
So full of life,
So much to do.

Your head falls.
I am glad.
You cannot be hurt now.
But still I do not understand,
Why You?

arthur 05/06

© Copyright 2006 michael bennett - All Rights Reserved
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
1 posted 2006-06-02 06:27 AM


Grief can be so great
that we forget to think
that others bear similar tragedies
every day.

We forget to sense those
around us, needing as much,
if not more, than we.

We fail to feel their
hugs...pushing away
more potential pain.

Then one day, we realize...
this is not the space
our beloveds wish us to take up...

and we reach out
tenderly.

Hugging you.


scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
2 posted 2006-06-02 08:49 AM


I'm moved by your words.  And I'm very sorry for your loss Arthur.  May you find peace in your memories...

believe in what your heart feels...

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
3 posted 2006-06-02 09:01 AM


Sharing your mood and thoughts today. Never a day goes by that we cannot communicate to our loved ones. For they are always with us.
appreciating your feelings, martyjo

kayjay
Member Elite
since 2002-06-24
Posts 2015
Oregon
4 posted 2006-06-02 09:11 AM


I have come to feel two things about grief for a loss we never expected to have.  There is comfort in thinking of the warm memories, and that somehow, time will ease the loss.  Neither of these seem to matter at first, but they have solaced me.  
Your writing shows great insight to your love for your child and your sense of loss.  Ken

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

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
5 posted 2006-06-02 09:17 AM


This is so sad. I am so sorry for your loss.

[This message has been edited by SmartChick (06-02-2006 10:13 AM).]

LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

6 posted 2006-06-02 09:23 AM


grief is a shock to the system and living in a culture with such demands, it may be hard to be intentional about our grieving process.  

Don't keep it on the shelf...as it serves as a great significance for healing...instead of festering...robbing you of your sense of reality...sense the calm of growth & change, and when and if you can, write, write, write, and share this persons personage with us...a tribute to their purpose, spiritual journey...

and remember if you will and can, we are not humans here having a spiritual experience, but spiritual beings, having a human experience.



Much Love sent to you, and please continue to write.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
7 posted 2006-06-02 09:32 AM


Hello dear Michael.
You know it hurts for me to read these words,
yet pleases me that you are finally able to write of Jacki,
and the pain that can only come with losing a child.

I encourage you to write on..
put your thoughts to paper, and just know..
we are all here for you.

And I am, as always just an email away.

Sending you hugs my friend,
you expressed your feelings of despair and confusion so well.

Nancy

Nightshade
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Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
8 posted 2006-06-02 09:34 AM


arthur, your words have touched my heart and brought back the ache of a time of loss such as this.
   All we can do is embrace our tears and continue smiling at the memories. I pray for you dear gentle man. Hugs, Chris

Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
9 posted 2006-06-02 09:59 AM


Michael Dear Michael~
Such a tremendous loss that grieves the heart~

It often takes so very long to make the attempt to come to grips with the grief ..
we are caught on a corner of remember at the oddest of times~

Sharing the pain of your loss of Jacki gives those who know and love you to offer a and to reach out a hand to you in your sorrow~

Thank you for letting us do that~

May your memories be many ... may your tears eventually lessen~

Holding you in my thoughts, I am~

*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~
Email -       noles1@totcon.com     

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
10 posted 2006-06-02 10:16 AM


Arthur, you have been missed but I now understand what has been keeping you away from your extended family. I am sorry to the very depths of me to learn that your daughter had to suffer so. As you know, she is at peace and has returned from whence she came. Our time on Earth is so short though it seem not so at times. However, to your daughter it be but a blink of an eye until you are reunited. Mind you, in some ways, she is far closer to you now that she is in spirit.

Your words flowed from your bleeding heart and into mine.

Sending love and healing hugs,

Linda
Flowers

Robert Edward Levin
Junior Member
since 2006-06-01
Posts 45
can't remember. somewhere in midwest
11 posted 2006-06-02 10:41 AM


Arthur:

I don't know you, but wanted to say, I'm sorry for your loss.

R~

www.robertedwardlevin.com

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2006-06-02 12:21 PM


arthur

"What does it mean?
I do not know.
I cannot understand .
Why You?
So full of life,
So much to do."

Your words hit me within my own grief....so fresh still after all these years....yet, as trite as it may seem, time will help as will poetry....It is good that you expressed your pain here.  My best to you!

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

13 posted 2006-06-02 01:12 PM


I am glad to see you back Arthur, I too, have  missed seeing you here.  Our hearts reach out to yours, may healing come to you. Hugs.
OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
14 posted 2006-06-02 02:15 PM


Arthur, I don't know you, but feel your grief and the tears are coursing down my cheeks.  To lose a child must be the hardest thing one can ever do.  However, God did too, so He knows and understands.  Remember that Pip is a haven to come to for the comfort and the understanding of friends.  Come here as often as you need, and email as many of us as you wish.  I know I speak for all the others as well when I say that we would all feel honoured to be given the chance to share your grief and offer you what solace we can.

Hugs

- Owl

arthur
Senior Member
since 2001-08-14
Posts 678
england
15 posted 2006-06-02 03:03 PM


thank you friends
arthur

Magnus
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Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
16 posted 2006-06-02 05:43 PM


I am glad that you have come back to us,
even if only for a moment.  Your poem says
so much about your loss, your grief and
the question that may never be answered.

I hope you find comfort here.

garysgirl
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
17 posted 2006-06-02 05:44 PM


Arthur, I am so very sorry for your loss
of your precious child. Your words of your
poem touched my heart. Thank you for reaching
out to us with your words. That will help you
in your healing, my friend. There are so many
tender and compassionate souls here at Passions
In Poetry, who really care and mean every
word of compassion they write. So, try to
accept the comfort our love will bring to you
when you write your feelings. There are many
times I don't know what I would have done without
my friends here at PIP.

My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Hugs,
Ethel

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
18 posted 2006-06-02 05:49 PM


Arthur, I must agree with the above here and echo the comments. I can only imagine. I am so sorry for your loss.
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
19 posted 2006-06-02 06:15 PM


Oh my, Arthur, I am so sorry.
Heart hugs to you, for your loss.
I am wondering if those final words weren't
"sign the buoy" ? rather than boy...

Combining that thought with your description of the room:
"A machine with coloured lights that flicker."
Like the flashing colored lights I remember seeing while riding the ferry through what is called the Inside Passage, from Alaska to Washington state, alongside Canada.  

Perhaps, your child was siging or marking the safe passageway. Especially considering that song connection...a sailor's farewll song?
Just a thought.
Peaceful thoughts to you.

XOx Uriah xOX
Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403
Virginia
20 posted 2006-06-02 06:22 PM


Oh !   You are SOOOOO blessed ...to have had the loan of this precious one.   (((arthur)))
Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
21 posted 2006-06-02 08:26 PM


Dear Arthur:  I am so very sorry to learn of the sorrow that has entered your life. Nothing hurts quite so much I don't believe, as the loss of a child. I believe it does help in some small measure to write about the tragedy and share it with others, who can understand what a life changing time this is for you!  Prayers for peace are being sent your way!

Betty Lou

Ella Blue
Junior Member
since 2006-05-26
Posts 47

22 posted 2006-06-03 12:13 PM


"Time has past,the grief returns,
I go daily to that room."
I love this. I feel as if he goes to the room without even realizing it, as if pulled there day in and day out by an invisible string just to be there, because he has not figured out what else to do yet. Almost as if he waits for someone's permission to stop going, and give him instructions on how to live life once again. Surely this loss is so sacred that he knows he can't do something as simple as breathe.
It seems a testament to your love.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
23 posted 2006-06-03 12:46 PM


Michael,
just a thank you for finally finding the words.
As much as it hurt, you have made a start.
Now perhaps you will be able to write and share more.
Hugging you tight, Nancy

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
24 posted 2006-06-04 05:01 PM


your words are deeply said and felt - loss is so very hard - Paul
Paul Wilson
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Member Elite
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711
United States
25 posted 2006-06-04 05:12 PM


Arthur...Very touched by your words. No one should have to suffer that type of loss ever.

" Sign The Boy " One day you too will know what was meant by these words. Bless you and be safe...Paul

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

wranx
Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689
Moved from a shack to a barn
26 posted 2006-06-04 09:59 PM


Arthur, old friend

some things may never be understood here on earth...but it wont stop us from trying, will it?

*smile*

Wishing you all the best

(I prefer Arthur, its how I came to know you)

The Lady
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634
The Southwest
27 posted 2006-06-04 11:41 PM




Such a moving poem. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter.


arthur
Senior Member
since 2001-08-14
Posts 678
england
28 posted 2006-06-05 06:03 AM


"sign the boy" was at last resolved.
She was concenred about the future of her son.
Although not said int the poem,or understood at the time -the reply given to her was of course "yes"
arthur

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