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Open Poetry #13
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Photograph from Berlin
| Open Poetry #13 |
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Photograph from Berlin |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Memory is the land standing still for a moment, then a wave covers it. Snapshots are shields- what we remember in some way protects us. In this particular one you're standing on the balcony of your mother's house waving at the soldiers passing through. One of them, a handsome blond, has caught your eye as he climbs onto his friends' shoulders to offer you something, some bread or a piece of fruit, his lieutenant's cap poised over his heart in a delicate cartoon of love. Behind you the sky seems to float in all directions, but the light holds everything in place. You cannot know how your life will measure up against this moment, your arm frozen in midair. Your white handkerchief is like a wish.  Poet's note: Dedicated to my Mother and Grandmother. Thank you. Shalom Graphics: by Tias "I am not now that which I have been." |
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| © Copyright 2001 Mabel A. Dilley - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
What a lovely poem in tribute to your Mother and Grandmother Julian ... you've captured a wonderful moment in time, very nicely written!  Best wishes, /Kit |
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Songbird Member Elite
since 1999-12-15
Posts 2184Missouri |
I really like this, it is a frozen moment in time. I especially like the lines Behind you the sky seems to float in all directions, but the light holds everything in place. I will be looking for more of your poetry. |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Kit and Songbird, that you for reading my snapshot. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well being your friend this made me very sad, and these lines ~*~ Snapshots are shields- what we remember in some way protects us ~*~ holds true so much meaning for future generations. Such a happy moment for your Mother and the parable of ~ You cannot know how your life will measure up against this moment, your arm frozen in mid air~ truly makes my heart sad. A lovely tribute to them Mabel, they would be extremely proud of this write, as am I. Please visit me at my new homepage: |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Oh, Julian~ You brought a bit of tears with the tenderness of this one. Different memories, but the same emotions. I have a drawer of my great grandmother's handkerchiefs ... and tucked away with seven of them, are stories very much like you've told here. The hanky she said she dropped and my grandfather picked up - the hanky she she wore on her wedding day - the hanky she carried with her first child - the hanky she carried with her second child - the hanky she gave me on my seventh birthday - the hanky she wore at my grandfather's funeral - the hanky she carried the day she passed on - Such tender memories as I touch each of them and finger the delicate lace in her memory. Thank you very much for sharing this. I've definitely sent this to my library for safe-keeping. *Hugs* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I thought this was leading up to that terrible time during the 2nd world war and the holocaust. I hope it was a happy memory, but that is what I thought. Joyce [This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (edited 04-30-2001).] |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Enjoyed the way you wrote this...James |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Mysteria: you are correct, lest we remember...how can one know in advance if time will stand worthy of freedom spared? One can only wish for peace. Marge: I am touched this should share space in your library. For those time tender, we cherish. Joyce: you are correct in your assumption. This was the freeing by Allied troops. Relief and guarded happiness. James Michael: thank you for reaching across the "pond" to read and comment. ~Shalom~ "I am not now that which I have been." |
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JLR Senior Member
since 2001-02-04
Posts 1785 |
I have no personal experience with the events you related so beautifully here but I knew a woman when I was younger who used to tell me stories about this time and one was similar to yours...a soldier offering food and kindness. Thank you for your poem and for reminding me of her. |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
JLR: thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment. Most of these memories are locked away onto aging sepia colored film. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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