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Open Poetry #47
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haibun: mama
| Open Poetry #47 |
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haibun: mama |
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flash Member
since 2010-11-28
Posts 213miami beach, florida |
There were days when I pretended to be sick--just for mama's loving embrace--her arms the heat of home. Even with the onslaught of dementia, her cheerfulness was so contagious it was a joy being around--despite the illness. She made everyone laugh with her spontaneous unpredictable outbursts bumper wheelchair her favorite pastime! Once a week, I would whisk her away from the assisted-living facility and we would spend several hours together--grabbing a meal or frequenting some of our favorite second-hand stores--where she loved to shop and donate clothes. When we drove to her favorite thrift in November, her dementia worsened the dress mama donated she wants to buy! On a cold December morn, mama passed. The funeral was a simple one. There was a light drizzle as the family gathered at the gravesite. One by one, with eyes full of rain, we said our goodbyes. oh mama tuck me under hug me one more time! |
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| © Copyright 2011 al fogel - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Dear Al, now I have a knot in my throat, as this is so extremely poignant and most beautiful! One of the hardest things to cope with is this slow obnubilation of the mind! But I am sure she felt your love till the last moment. I am always deeply moved by poems dedicated to mothers and this is quite special really. Love, Margherita |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Flash, this is so bittersweet and so beautiful in every imaginable way. I mourn your loss, and envy you for having a loving mother to mourn and who allowed you to love her. I have said before in Pip and I say again, in different words that the weight of the loss is the measure of the gift you had when she was alive. Hugs Owl |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
Heart wrenching. JL  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
This is very, very good, flash. You put a new wrinkle in the haibun, a misdirection as it were. ~~ "Government is not reason; it is not eloquent. It is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." --George Washington ~~ |
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flash Member
since 2010-11-28
Posts 213miami beach, florida |
Thank you all so very much for your generous comments and I am pleased you were able to relate on a deep emotional level and to feel what I felt at the loss of a loved one. It's wonderful to be able--through poetry--to share such a bittersweet sad experience--it lessens the pain and brings us all closer together--in spirit. I believe poets (through poetic expression) are able to experience life and its vicissitudes a little deeper than most--altho we ALL have within us the poetic potential. It's just that those who seek pleasure in the pursuit of fame or fortune or business success--are missing out. flash |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I am so sorry for your loss... this is a beautiful wrench of heart. |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Excellent use of the form.. The content is sad, but well said. Thank you for sharing this brief cronology. |
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flash Member
since 2010-11-28
Posts 213miami beach, florida |
Suthern, Ice: Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments! Yes, sad but what is poetry but the expression of all emotions (overt or--in the case of haibun/ haiku--somewhat implied). {hugs back} Al |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Nicely done. (Been there) |
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ken206573 Member
since 2008-10-14
Posts 487 |
Much love to you and your family. The poem is truly sad and sweet well enjoyed. |
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flash Member
since 2010-11-28
Posts 213miami beach, florida |
Thank you, Krawdad & Ken for your lovely remarks. Glad you were touched by my wonderful mom. Al |
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