Doris Kohler 1925-2006 - pipTalk Forums

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Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

0 posted 2006-12-17 12:19 PM

There should be an album going through my mind,
Snapshots of  random moments frozen
in time, a smile here, a slap there,
getting dressed in warm clothing before being
sent off to school, looking back and seeing her
standing on the porch in the snow, making sure
I got on with my lunch bag intact.
Peanut butter, mostly.

I should be able to see her taking me
for my first haircut, shaking me awake on
Sunday mornings with a quarter for the collection plate
and threats of eternal damnation if that coin
Somehow did not happen to join the others.
I should be able to hear her at the door, after the game,
saying "How many homers you hit today, son?"
"Two", I might say,which was always answered with a
"That's nice. Now go wash your hands."

Being Christmas, I should easily recall running down the steps
at daybreak and screaming, "Mommy!Wake up! Santa was here!!!
then running to the tree, fully prepared to dive
headfirst into the cornucopial conglomeration of what
I knew would be socks and underwear, maybe a pair of gloves.
Didn't matter...they were GIFTS! from mom and dad and Santa.
They all cared about me. Mom would open my silly gift to  her,
something I'd made in school most times and say,
'That's nice. Now go wash your hands."

There were many happy snapshots of my youth,
many bad ones, too, and to kill them
the good ones went, too.
I read in the paper this morning a soldier died in Iraq.
Last night my mother died.
My detached sadness for both are the same.

There should be an album but the pages were erased
too long ago I can't bring them back with the feeling they deserve.
Pain of losing one's mother is surpassed only by it's absence.
The memories don't come and  sadness is the best I can do.
May God bless you, mom. I wish you well.

[IMG]http://balladeer.netpoets.net/g raphics/tulips_pink_lg_clr.gif[/IMG]

[This message has been edited by Balladeer (08-11-2011 08:21 AM).]

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

1 posted 2006-12-17 12:23 PM

Balladeer
Should I say the truth reigns supreme. Good write

Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

2 posted 2006-12-17 12:58 PM

I know too....and it was a treasure given
to me at my birth....the love of a mother.

And....It took me a little while to get all of
the feelings absorbed, so that I could understand
what you were going through... I agree with Nan,
about 150 percent...

Thanx 'Deer..

Nan

Administrator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-05-20

Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA

3 posted 2006-12-17 01:40 PM

It's an experience that defies reason, m'deer. It's still fresh in my mind as well, so I truly understand. Hold on to those "good" memories.. I'm so sorry your mom had to leave, especially in the midst of the holiday season... Be well, deer friend...

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate

since 2000-10-29

Posts 19200
Between the Lines

4 posted 2006-12-17 02:45 PM

I am sorry for your loss, Mike and am with you in spirit knowing that words cannot fill the ache.

M

scorpio
Member Ascendant

since 2002-10-02

Posts 5178
right...there

5 posted 2006-12-17 04:32 PM

I'm very sorry for your loss Mike. I do hope the good memories comfort you at this sad time.

believe in what your heart feels...

Draugluin
Junior Member

since 2006-12-08

Posts 48
Ontario, Canada

6 posted 2006-12-17 05:30 PM

OH how precious memories are, oh how fleeting.

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant

since 2000-01-29

Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia

7 posted 2006-12-17 05:35 PM

blessings to you my friend... I'm sorry for your loss - a beautiful tribute! RDB

Nightshade

Member Patricius

since 2001-08-31

Posts 13962
just out of reach

8 posted 2006-12-17 06:23 PM

Ah Balladeer, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I miss my mom as much today as I did when she passed over in 1969. What I wouldn't give to hear her sweet laughter and to wrap my arms around her.
Take care dear poet. hugs, Chris p.s. her name was Doris too.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

9 posted 2006-12-17 06:40 PM

Words fail me at a time like this Mike.
Yes, our mom, (Nightshade and I) her name was Doris as well.
I read this earlier and all the pain and hurt came flooding back.
I waited until now to come in and give you my condolences,
hoping I would have the right words.
I do not.
I am terribly sorry for your loss..
please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Someone once said, something like,
'when your mother dies that's when you realise everyone dies'.
How true.

Wishing I could find the right words..

Sing in me muse...
and through me tell the story~

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

10 posted 2006-12-17 07:10 PM

Perhaps she will have a chance
in some way
to make amends. Her boy
did his best, always has, always will.

Some will just never see
the miracles before them.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

11 posted 2006-12-17 07:22 PM

*touching the screen*

My condolences sweet friend.

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

12 posted 2006-12-17 07:36 PM

Mine too, Michael~
The tears flood each time I read this ... the remembers come racing back ...~

I am sooooo very sorry~

Love you~
*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

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

13 posted 2006-12-17 08:48 PM

geez, I don't know what to say here...

I'm so sorry Mike.

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

14 posted 2006-12-17 08:54 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss Michael. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. (((HUGS)))

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

15 posted 2006-12-17 11:41 PM

Thank you all, my friends, for your kindness and support.

Marge Tindal

Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-06

Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores

16 posted 2006-12-18 09:22 AM

Just because it's a beautiful Monday for a heartfelt *HUG*

~*Me*~

~*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

twinkyfl1
Member

since 2006-12-15

Posts 133
florida

17 posted 2006-12-18 09:41 AM

The loving memories you have for your mother, and hers for you, will help you get through this and keep her alive in your heart forever.

You're in my thoughts and prayers.

LeeJ
Member Patricius

since 2003-06-19

Posts 13296

18 posted 2006-12-18 10:50 AM

Dear Mike
there is difficulty in responding to this
all I can say is keeping her memory alive through this, is reason to keep the candles burning...

Hugs and God bless

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-09-23

Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown

19 posted 2006-12-18 11:04 AM

My dearest friend, Mr. Balladeer, I heard about your loss. My heart aches knowing you are feeling such pain. I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. All I know to do is send you a great big comforting hug.

. I hope it helps.

trutodaraiders
Senior Member

since 2006-12-02

Posts 820
CA

20 posted 2006-12-18 01:17 PM

If I would of known about this poem this morning I would have made my coffee stronger; because my tears diluted it. Such a nice poem, and sorry to hear about your loss. Very touching my friend

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

21 posted 2006-12-18 02:29 PM

oh, Michael, I am sorry.
May her spirit be happy.

Kit McCallum

Administrator

Member Laureate

since 2000-04-30

Posts 14774
Ontario, Canada

22 posted 2006-12-18 04:27 PM

Michael, your words emote the deepest of feelings always. Please know that you have my heartfelt and sincere condolences.

Take care sweet poet.

Best wishes and hugs to you,
/Kit

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

23 posted 2006-12-18 05:39 PM

May God take you and your Mom in his arms and love you...hugs...James

JLHunter
Senior Member

since 2006-10-08

Posts 557
CA United States

24 posted 2006-12-18 07:28 PM

Hi, Balladeer.

Words cannot express what I would truly like to say and how I feel, but here is a humble attempt:

Angel of Death

Her beauty was on wings of light
--Gossamer spun to aid her flight--
That traveled o’er the nameless night
To land, but soft, upon the dew.

She stayed not long, as flights of song,
That arcing o’er the sky belong
To Heaven’s grace; through frenzied throng
She gains the sky, and off she flew.

The Angel’s wings caress the few
Whose time is short but never knew
That stirring light was shining through
To pierce the dark and aid their flight

Raised aloft to far off places,
Bright with sound and long lost faces,
A Heaven full of Earthly graces
Waits for those now lost from sight.

--John L. Hunter

With my sincerest condolences, John

I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires. -Khalil Gibran

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

25 posted 2006-12-18 10:17 PM

Michael,
I am so sorry for you loss. It's strange how we put expecations on our grief and discover it's not exactly what we expeceted it would be. Yet it is teaching, anyway. May God grant you peace, strength and courage.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

sewasham
Senior Member

since 2006-09-11

Posts 714
Oklahoma, USA

26 posted 2006-12-19 09:44 AM

Very sorry to hear of your loss, I have been there. God bless. Take care. Steve

Interloper

Member Rara Avis

since 2000-11-06

Posts 8369
Deep in the heart

27 posted 2006-12-19 01:59 PM

Michael, as usual I'm late.
My sincerest heartfelt condolences to you and your family. God bless you all...

Poet, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write.

Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant

since 2001-05-07

Posts 5182
Netherlands

28 posted 2006-12-20 04:31 AM

Dear pal,
It's true that moms, are not always the moms they should have been. But could it be that, she herself, has never learned how to love her child. I wonder if she realized that in the end. You speak of only feeling sad about her passing away, but your words above speak of another sadness, the one of never have known what it's like to have a loving mom.
Hugs and knuffels to you Deer, because a mom still is a mom, part of your life and a loss is still a loss, a chapter closed.

Dutchie

Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

rwood
Member Elite

since 2000-02-29

Posts 3793
Tennessee

29 posted 2006-12-20 08:51 AM

(((hugs)))

silent ones with tenderness, deep respect and compassion.

Love,
Reg

Toerag
Member Ascendant

since 1999-07-29

Posts 5622
Ala bam a

30 posted 2006-12-20 09:55 AM

and nobody can pen it better than you...May you be blessed this holiday season pal....and I wish for you peace of mind and spirit.

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

31 posted 2006-12-20 04:38 PM

Dutchie, it could not have been said better.

Thank you all, friends, for rallying together for a fellow poet. Passions does that for people. I appreciate all of the feelings shown in your replies and wish you all the very best..

themute
Member

since 2006-05-08

Posts 469
Maryland

32 posted 2006-12-20 04:53 PM

This is poetry, "There were many happy snapshots of my youth,
many bad ones, too, and to kill them
the good ones went, too.
I read in the paper this morning a soldier died in Iraq.
Last night my mother died.
My detached sadness for both are the same."

And this is poetry, "There should be an album but the pages were erased
too long ago I can't bring them back with the feeling they deserve."

Especially this, "Pain of losing one's mother is surpassed only by it's absence."

Self Expression!

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

33 posted 2006-12-21 10:40 AM

I had the feelings but couldn't find the words... Titia did, and did so brilliantly.

I'm so sorry, my friend... both for the loss now... and all the lacks and losses that went before. You have my sincerest sympathy.

Pilgrimage
Member Elite

since 2001-12-04

Posts 3945
Texas, USA

34 posted 2006-12-21 04:13 PM

I'm sorry that you lost her. And I'm more than sorry that you lost the feel of her. That is at least a sadness I haven't had. Mom has been gone since 12-16-03, and I still dream about her. Sigh.

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius

since 2000-10-09

Posts 13989

35 posted 2006-12-21 06:34 PM

Dear Deer, I am so sorry for your loss...sending many soft hugs and thoughts your way.....May peace be yours Michael...
hugs,
~D

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

36 posted 2006-12-24 01:57 AM

Michael I am so very sorry for your loss.

Kethry
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-07-29

Posts 9082
Victoria Australia

37 posted 2006-12-24 02:11 AM

I'm so sorry to hear that even the death of old ones carries pain and grief. But there will be happy memories in time. *Hugs

a good commitee can decimate communication.

1slick_lady
Member Ascendant

since 2000-12-22

Posts 6088
standing on a shadow's lace

38 posted 2006-12-24 02:42 AM

so sorry for your loss

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

39 posted 2006-12-24 01:32 PM

Mike...I'm late to read this but not to send you heart felt condolences for the loss of your mother...so bitter sweet your poem, the time...I understand.

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

40 posted 2006-12-24 03:02 PM

Michael, when you first posted this, I read it and I wanted to say something, but couldn't voice my feelings. I can't understand the "why" of some things, and at those times don't know how to reply.

You are such a good friend, though, I wanted to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers, Sweetie. And, I can tell you are hurting, so your friends hurt with you. I'm so sorry for your loss
of your Mother, dear friend.
Hugs and love to you, Michael(for the man you are now, and also for ache of the little boy you were then)
Ethel

latearrival
Member Ascendant

since 2003-03-21

Posts 5499
Florida

41 posted 2006-12-24 03:44 PM

Mike, Please check your e-mail.My best to you. Your feelings are understood fully and, you are loved. martyjo

Gunslinger
Senior Member

since 1999-10-09

Posts 901
TX, USA

42 posted 2006-12-25 12:28 PM

Poignant, Michael. ad I completely empathize, only with me it was my Dad. Merry Christmas, friend.

icebox
Member Elite

since 2003-05-03

Posts 4383
in the shadows

43 posted 2006-12-25 01:58 AM

This is stunning work.

When my mother died, I grieved for the mother I never had. Not sure which is harder, but your memories seem better.

I wish you peace.

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

44 posted 2006-12-25 05:15 PM

Please accept my sorrow and envy for your pain.

My ex-husband died yesterday afternoon.

- Owl

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

45 posted 2006-12-25 09:46 PM

Your responses are very heartwarming in their sincerity. I thank you all again and hope your Christmas has been a joyous one.

Owl, I'm sorry for your loss, also. Ex or not, he was a person you shared your life with and committed yourself to and the loss must be deeply felt. I wish you the best.

LngJhnAg
Member Elite

since 1999-07-23

Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion

46 posted 2006-12-25 10:24 PM

Man, Miguel - powerful. I have my own stories, and now they seem to be yours, too.

Merry Christmas, 'Deer.

Balladeer

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-05

Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA

47 posted 2006-12-25 10:33 PM

WOW! The sailor returns...it must be Christmas!!!

Great to see you again, my friend

spiked
Senior Member

since 2000-01-13

Posts 873
Hammond, La USA

48 posted 2006-12-26 12:10 PM

Pains often can be covered by a scar. it's healing is left up to us
Nice write
Rich

Deb Lynne
Member

since 1999-08-19

Posts 180
Where blue skies meet blue ocean

49 posted 2006-12-27 08:32 PM

Thoughts, love and prayers from your friends in NC. Always with you!
Deb

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