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Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

0 posted 2011-10-16 03:33 PM

The ladder is lost in the slow creep of vines
laced to the seasons with rain keeping time
forward the laying of names and their place
enhanced with engravings that memory has traced

Reminders drift down from the trees each new year
delighted the waiting is no longer for tears
change turns the leaves of October to blazing
and the sadness of mauve has fallen out of my daydreams

I remember the feel of the brush in my hand
down her tangle of curls in the dampness of morn
still the length of her smile in my dreams after midnight
can still open the time of that long ago storm

Now smoke and ashes dig into the hillside
and fasten the rocks from out of my past
yet will always be present in my still breathing chest
where the cradle still cuddles with my once aching breath

I can see now how dying is another beginning
the song sung within life's cadence is a test
as a lullaby bubbles and rock a byes others
I've learned each new step on the ladder is the best

---------
with thoughts of Michelle in her birth month

JerryPat2
Member Laureate

since 2011-02-06

Posts 16975
South Louisiana

1 posted 2011-10-16 04:58 PM

Sad, Martie, but with a wonderful feeling of climbing that ladder and, yes, each new step is the best, I know that is true.

~* The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.--William Blake ~*~

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

2 posted 2011-10-16 05:08 PM

quote:
still the length of her smile in my dreams after midnight
can still open the time of that long ago storm

How good is it that Michelle's mother,
who hasn't felt the sync of ink for so long,
came today, to wish her daughter a love that
will always be remembered.

I so glad that Michelle lives here, in our blue heaven.

suthern

Member Seraphic

since 1999-07-29

Posts 20723
Louisiana

3 posted 2011-10-16 05:09 PM

As you've shared your grief with us through the years, I know the missing hasn't lessened but the tears have... and it's a beautiful thing to see you able to remember her with more smiles and less agony. This is a beautiful tribute to your sweet angel!

JL
Member Ascendant

since 2004-04-01

Posts 6128
Texas, USA

4 posted 2011-10-16 08:35 PM

Heart-wrenching yet beautiful.
God Bless.

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.
Maranatha!

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

5 posted 2011-10-17 07:39 AM

Martie, I knew about February, but not October, but somehow I sensed right from the beginning of this beautiful poem that this was about Michelle. I withheld my tears all the way through, but the last stanza had me, and they just overflowed.

Hearthugs
Owl

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-02-22

Posts 9353
Michigan, USA

6 posted 2011-10-17 09:26 AM

Hugs Marti-Word,
A beautiful tribute.

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

7 posted 2011-10-17 07:31 PM

Thank you poet friends, for taking the time to read and comment on this poem. It means a lot to me.

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

8 posted 2011-10-21 03:09 PM

There is much sorrow and strength and so much beauty in your poetry.
It's the faith and the hope, and the endless love that move me so deeply.

This is a treasure to hold dear. Hugs to you Martie~

threadbear
Senior Member

since 2008-07-10

Posts 817
Indy

9 posted 2011-10-21 05:17 PM

Out sighs to Martie.
Can a poem be uplifting
and sorrowful at the same time?
A poem should always pry open emotion,
and this does this.
Much love to you, Martie,
Jeff

Richy
Member Elite

since 2003-05-03

Posts 3050

10 posted 2011-10-21 05:17 PM

((((luv you my friend))))))

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis

since 1999-11-08

Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

11 posted 2011-10-21 05:44 PM

Your words are always delicately powerful, and i feel your sadness laced with bits of hope. What beautiful thoughts you share with us
I love you
Liz

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

12 posted 2011-10-22 02:36 PM

You are "grace" personified. Your watercolor memories of your beloved daughter Michelle, bring tears to my eyes. God bless you both.

Sending a warm, loving hug your way,
Linda

Alison

Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-27

Posts 9318
Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy!

13 posted 2011-10-23 01:36 AM

Thank you for sharing your thinking thoughts of your daughter. You always make my heart feel your words.

A

Dakota
Member

since 2000-05-25

Posts 125
New York

14 posted 2011-10-23 02:10 AM

From every storm is a new beginning, when the clouds clear and the sunshines.
So sad, and yet enlightening.

Beautiful tribute!

*Hugs*

Dave

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