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Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

0 posted 2001-04-14 11:05 AM

Gathered around the dining room table,
Are all the folks who are dearest to me.
But I know, as they talk to each other,
They're not seeing the faces I see.

Grandma and Grandpa and uncles and aunts
And a few even closer than those,
All listed there on a memory page,
In a book that I can't bear to close.

As I lovingly gaze at these dear ones,
Toward faces that aren't really there;
Silent thanks to our generous Maker,
For others who've filled up each chair.

I cover my sadness with gladness,
I laugh at their jokes and their quips.
Not letting on my attention has turned,
To the pictures fond memory flips.

Just two years ago he was with us.
The lost one I can't erase from my mind.
I vainly search those round the table,
That missing, beloved face to find.

My daughters and precious grandchildren,
Bow their heads for my thanksgiving prayer,
Praising the Lord for those present,
Remembering the ones who aren't here.

This day, too, will soon be a memory
I shall add to my burgeoning book.
When it is all done and I am alone,
It's still there on my memory hook.

By: Joyce 2000.

[This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (edited 04-14-2001).]

twilah
Member

since 2000-09-25

Posts 91
Maine, USA

1 posted 2001-04-14 12:51 PM

Joyce, this is very beautiful and meaningful. I, too, have a large close family and there are now some missing around the table. But as you say...the memory is what lives on, and I know the separation is only temporary. So nicely written..you have a gift, my friend...... Twilah

2dalimit
Member Elite

since 2000-02-08

Posts 2228
Mississippi coast

2 posted 2001-04-14 01:29 PM

It is always a pleasure to read your stories. This one soooo family. Yes, we do tend to remember our passed loved ones when the present family are gathered. But, life goes on. Thanks for sharing these moments.
Melton

laryalee
Member

since 2000-06-19

Posts 352
Alberta, Canada

3 posted 2001-04-15 08:03 PM

Oh, Joyce - this brought the tears...how poignantly you tell of the loss that's always there - and how precious are our memory books....
Thank you.
Lary

ellie LeJeune
Member Elite

since 2000-01-10

Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA

4 posted 2001-04-16 06:27 AM

Joyce, you did a lovely job here of reminding that those we've lost and loved are ever in our hearts..Ellie

A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails.

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

5 posted 2001-04-16 09:17 PM

Our minds always turn to the ones who used to join us all at the table. It can be hard. You've expressed it very well Joyce.

Red_Feather
Member

since 2001-01-19

Posts 131
The Vagabond Sea

6 posted 2001-04-16 11:48 PM

You really are a wonderful writer Joyce. I have had those moments. My extended family lives elsewhere. When my small family, no longer whole, is visited in numbers i, know we each feel our incompleteness in a fresh and pressing way.

One's not half two it's two are halves of one EE Cummings

Xeonox

Senior Member

since 2000-04-01

Posts 1764
CA, USA

7 posted 2001-04-21 02:30 AM

Your writings are full of optimisim, while i on the other like to explore the other side. Good read. Great job!!!!

Ronil (One becomes god only when they have fully understood the role of being a human being.)

Trillium

Member Patricius

since 2001-03-09

Posts 12098
Idaho, USA

8 posted 2001-04-21 05:33 PM

Dear Joyce: A lovely poem about your family and I can tell you have a host of wonderful memories to share.

Betty Lou Hebert

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