Memorial Day, 1888, No. 8 [Soddie Memorial & Cornflowers]

How to Join	Member's Area	Private Library	Search	Sanctuary		Login
Main Forums	Discussion	Tech Talk	Mature Content	Archives	A home without a wall, Our haven without ends, A circle we all call Our Family of Friends!

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

0 posted 2008-05-23 09:03 AM

Memorial Day, 1888, No. 8
[Soddie Memorial and Cornflowers]

salt plants
in Hutchison are
now in operation

still, my love, I speak
to you, come this day, this
day of flags,
since 1865, a day of
speeches and
memories

held mostly for Veterans
of the wars

but, my love, this day is
held for you, too,
as the women know….

we do not forget the men that
did not go to war,
but fought, nevertheless, to
bring a life, and lives,
forward…

to build this country

oh, my love….

I have given acquiescence to
Mr. Johannson, to ask me
to be his bride

as I believe this is what you
would want
and if it is, then
it is what I can live with
and be content
for he shall have his art,
and I,
my quill,

people should not mourn forever

you have been gone
these ten years, I hear you
now, you are wondering why
I did not do it before…

because you had always said
I would be me, myself,
that I could do it, if I had to,
and I had to,
to prove the flour, white, on my
hands
as worthy of my kneading….

for I was forever the dreamer
and you were always
the doer, even needing,
when I was by your side

I know this…

so I had to do,
for you,
just as I had to
write

oh my love….

I have been the wife that you
would be proud to carry on
your name,
all of this time,
and now, I crave
the company of a
man, as understanding as
you ever were

even if I cannot feel for him
how I felt for you…
that has changed now

it is not the passion of the young

but the passion of elders, who
have loved before,
as both he and I have

oh my love,

I shall never quit conversing
with you.

The soddie is gone now
the upkeep was not propitious
as the walls were
caving in

it was time that change
be allowed…

will you allow this? I have
not forgotten
the day you saw, and said, you were
glad
as I faced the wind
that first day
and in truth, my heart sank, at first,
and then, as I saw your face,
I saw the promise of your heart,
and in that, the promise of the earth,
and in that, I heard,
the promise of the country

my heart yearns to hear
your words, your
thoughts, which
have slowly faded this
decade of time, and time
is all I have held
in my hands
these last
years

my love…

I will never not carry the
cornflowers to your
grave

as I will, if you approve,
on my
wedding day,
mixed with babe’s breath
and wildflowers of
the prairie

in memory

and for the future’s dreams

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

1 posted 2008-05-23 09:48 AM

This is so pure and deeply felt, I hardly dare comment lest I do it an injustice. I have never read a more touching tribute to one who is gone but so deeply loved and respected, as if he were there, present, smiling, reassuring, approving . . .

This really touched and moved me,

Art

gilead
Senior Member

since 2008-03-10

Posts 1067
nevada, USA

2 posted 2008-05-23 10:01 AM

My reply was written spontaneously and perhaps in haste, as I am not certain as to the speaker in the poem. But my deficiency detracts in no way from the artistry and craftsmanship of this splendid poem!

Art

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

3 posted 2008-05-23 05:44 PM

Sissie, as always your writing of the times of Soddie touches deeply; as if you somehow were there and traveled forward to tell your story. Wonderfully done!

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

4 posted 2008-05-23 06:21 PM

Karilea, I am at a loss for words that would do this fine write justice!

Mind you, I think both gilead and Martie made excellent attempts at it!

Love & Sun Light,
Linda

Oklahoma Rose
Senior Member

since 2008-02-28

Posts 1586
Oklahoma USA

5 posted 2008-05-23 08:53 PM

A wonderful poem, Karilea. Very touching!

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

6 posted 2008-05-23 09:20 PM

This is such a beautiful and touching poem, Karilea. It leaves me at a loss for words.
Ida

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

7 posted 2008-05-23 10:36 PM

This touches way deep down in the heart of me.
The cornflowers and babies breath are a beautiful
reminder of love and life, ever after.

Big hugs, Karilea~

	⇧ top of page ⇧
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.