Reflections on the Web |
Last Days Of A Friend. |
pjtalty Member
since 2002-07-17
Posts 111W.A., Australia |
She seems grateful for the dynamic spark that flames up and fades, though dependant on people with kind voices and gentle hands. They feed her encouragement, talking books, letters on tape from friends, former students and, when she can take it, a little food. Her eyes burn brightly, remnants of dying inner flames; failing voice steadily recalls hill stations of India from half a lifetime back. She climbed them then in a vessel of youth; she caught their pulsating richness in illustrated diaries and lyrical poems of praise. The only climbing now is in and out of bed with help. Her body, once a golden cup of power now grey and draped in the penultimate shroud. Dedication: For the late Vera Francis: teacher, poet, traveller, philosopher, sage and steadfast friend. She died some weeks after I wrote this poem. Patrick Talty |
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© Copyright 2003 Patrick Talty - All Rights Reserved | |||
KristieSue
since 2003-01-31
Posts 1460PA, US |
and she still has power....through your words... Thanks for sharing Failure isn't failure if a lesson from it is learned ~ KS |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Sentimental and intelligent -- no bathos, put plenty of pathos. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Her memory lives on through your words. Well done. ~Hugs~ ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
This made me weepy-it is very well done. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Sunnyone Member Ascendant
since 2000-07-06
Posts 5334Staffordshire, England |
I believe in this life we are blessed with certain heroes who give us inspiration to achieve. This lovely woman not only inspired you to write about her, but she is now inspiring all of us who read!! Such a great tribute, and I'm grateful you shared it with us. It definitely should be in our pages..... Accept these small gifts from my gypsy heart ~~S~~ |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
what a great tribute |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
What a lovely tribute |
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DawnG
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494United States |
The title of this poem caught my eye and I am sure glad I read it. This is a very beautiful tribute to your friend. Dawn |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
(big hugggsssssssss) God Bless You, sweet friend, and I know Vera will never forget you as she travelled on because of you and wrote and related because of your support and she will always speak in your heart with friendship forever! (sigh) This is a timeless treasure, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Patrick, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Magicmystery Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
What a beautiful memorial to a wonderful inspirational lady!!! I was remembering my English teacher from highschool when I read this. 18 years now since her flame was cut short by recuring breast cancer but she still influences my life and attitude. God bless all who inspire us with their lives and continue to do so after they are but memories. Sherry (has my vote) Cherish the good memories of the past and look forward to the adventure called Tomorrow. But above all... be kind to yourself today. |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
She is not gone as long as she left those who remember. Well done. Joyce |
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WhiteRose Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208somebody's dungeon |
A heartfelt write. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I do hope you got this to her family, as it does say so much about her association with the people she touched and I feel I almost knew her. Don't be too hard on yourself - even Einstein had trouble tying his shoelaces. |
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Street Heart Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349Pennsylvania,USA |
I am deeply moved by your dedication to this fine woman,Patrick.Anyone would truly be blessed to receive such an honourable declaration of care.Wonderful writing. Peace,Geoffrey If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living. |
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