Open Poetry #34 |
talking to the dead (happy birthday mr. "b") |
serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I really think he liked the hats. Father "Red" said that he would, and somehow I was gratified at the mention of them there, placed with care upon the floor semi-circled left to right in order of the time he spent wearing them with pride, he smiled from the chosen pictures framed placed above in complement, with dice and dawgs and women-grins contrast inbetween. It mattered to me - those details - I had toured the photographs looking for the capturing of his smile in break of laugh-- the way his Irish red cheeks told the naughty punch lines of his jokes with insurance of the cross he made across his chest he'd bless himself as if he had been dealt the bad-ass hand of Sister Ann tugging at his ear, "Repent!" I laughed, right there on the front pew as the tears dredged channels through the cosmetic covering of my circled eyes so sore, remembering that he had sworn that he would be there for me he would take good care of me and how he knew he couldn't be my Dad, but he could try... He died. Too quick to say goodbye and I am bereft left legacy of this-- "See? We downed the paneling and textured all the walls. I took that other bedroom door and now it's in the hall. We shut the other for the need of a big shelved pantry, see, we've got these growing kids to feed-- I know you would approve. Then we took the carpet out-- too many dogs had seen the day. I think I chose some pretty tile. You would have liked it much this way. We removed the paper from the windows--see? we needed sun. The dark was festering our grief. We needed light and light has freed the shadows of ourselves. The kitchen? Well. I guess you knew I couldn't cook electric stew. So we ran the gasline through the ceiling to the stove." Someday it just might pass for code. (and yes, I smile. I hear you laugh.) "and yep, I watch the thermostat and I hope that you know that the kids will always love you too... Am I crazy? Yes I am. Talking to the walls tonight, singing happy birthday as I bake a late night cake for you. I hope you liked the hats and I hope you can forgive me too for everything I never said for everything I had to do for all the things we promised that would never come to be...but this? Happy birthday Mr. B. Happy New Year too. There's a Christmas tree in lights, there are prayers starring you. and while I hope you liked the hats-- I pray that halo fits you too. (and yes, I hear you laugh, my friend.) Laughter is your epitaph. And just in case you never knew? I loved you....I sigh: I love you" crumbling the writ of this by candlelight I am intent gathering the bones... [This message has been edited by serenity blaze (12-06-2004 06:27 AM).] |
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© Copyright 2004 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved | |||
nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
The dark was festering our grief. We needed light and light has freed the shadows of ourselves. well Dear One, Karen..I just loved this, for many reasons... and wishing "Mr.B" a happy birthday too. btw I talk to walls all the time M |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I should have known, "m"--if anyone would understand this, it would be you. and I'll bet your tree is gorgeous. *chuckle* mine is shaping up, he bought another Charly Brown Christmas tree, and you know me, I consider that a challenge... smile love you lady |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
I talk to the walls. They have meaning, y'know. She wallpapered them. I remember. I baked a cake on her birthday, too. It was chocolate though I know she'd have wanted lemon... Crazy? Yes. But it's the most sane thing in the universe. Always, Alyssa He was a man of sorrows |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"I talk to the walls. They have meaning, "y'know. She wallpapered them. I remember. I baked a cake on her birthday, too. It was chocolate though I know she'd have wanted lemon..." I would love to write with you. |
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babygirlwlove Senior Member
since 2004-10-10
Posts 1180New York City |
serenity...lord how you grab the reader...! compelling spill of words, my friend.... **babygirL** **Intoxicant to the SouL** |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
I think that craziness is kicking in. Seriously. Either that or you just need sleep. It's late. I know I haven't slept in three nights/days and I'm a bit loopy. You must be feeling the same... I'd sure never turn down the offer, though! (I'm not that tired yet.) |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I'd really love to write with you too! thanks lady |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I'm back. Just cause I thought it would look funny. |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
...now look what you've lowered me too. Bouncing everywhere... I'll never sleep! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
It does look funny! |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Bad. Bad, bad, bad. *sigh* Bad! |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
are you guys bouncing "off the walls" this morning???? ~Smiling~ here and Karen...where is THAT picture of the counter...I am still waiting!!! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
okay. You'll have to wait until I sober up tho. Just messin' wif ya'll. |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
I'm hardly even seventeen... I'm not the one that's supposed to act like an adult! *yawns* But it's 4 AM and I still have 2 hours left of sleeping time. So I'm off to bed for a few. Now... Behave. Really. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"I'm hardly even seventeen... I'm not the one that's supposed to act like an adult" I take full responsibility for the bounce. nite GG....boing |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
serenity, Loved the echo and the bouncing ball. and how about a |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
Very touching write Serenity. believe in what your heart feels... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
...gathering the bones... Happy Birthday, Mr. B... |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
Okay, the image of a blue bouncing ball with a all too knowing smile better be out of my mind by time I go to bed tonight... Karen, I loved this and only wish I could talk to the walls as you do...but I am still afraid she is mad at me.. love ya lady.. "cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind" |
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wranx Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689Moved from a shack to a barn |
Ok, see? What you have to do now is gather up ALL of these...Yes, the ones with THIS flavor, and assemble a book. It's already written m'witch, it merely needs colated. Do it...You'll see what I mean. Lubs ya y'yeti |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
What Wranx says... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
What Wranx and Sunshine said!! You're wonderful, ya know? and hey, it's my oldest son's birthday today...he's 36...wow! Happy birthday Mr. b! |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I hate 'lectric cooking too, but am stuck with it cuz I rent Ser, this is a magnificent piece, and the bouncing replies tell me I'm in for another special treat when you two duet. And your dad is grinning his lips off. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
you turned his house into a home... Im sure hes smiling... I bet he loves the mosaic counter. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Incredible...just incredible.. first you had me crying.. then nodding my head in understanding of talking to the walls.. then laughin' my head off! You do tend to bring out all the emotions in me! Love ya lady~ |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Laughter is your epitaph. And love... don't forget that... for it shines here through every line. *S* Could any of us ask for more? *S* Of course. *S* But if we get this much, we're blessed. *S* Incredible write!! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I bet I was late in seeing this for a reason. I don't know if I ever told you I live in the home where my Mother and Father lived, and when I moved in, I completely renovated it, completely! I wrote a story about those dark walls, and all the nick nacs etc. to my Mom and then one day to my father. These are the healing moments, when we finally get to move on. Enjoy the next chapter m'friend, this one truly suits you finally. If you never do publish all these "moments" at least collect them into a book for your legacy for sure! No one is ever going to crack your tile lady! |
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jellybeans Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298 |
oh what a picture you paint with this...leaves me speechless...whew |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
::smiling at you :: art ma'am.... art.... |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I just came in to whisper a very quiet "thank you" (vodka yanno--wince) I think I'll go lie down for a few years. (and GG? Thanks for the giggles girlie--I'll be in touch soon.) and hugs for everybody. OW. gentle hugs |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
ok, Lady, you are in deep trouble (again) I am tearing up at school here. This is so beautiful, Karen. Did the same to my grandmother's house so long ago, I know she did not mind, and of course your Dad is smiling. There is life there again. This just makes me wish I could hug you. (Happy Birthday . . .) |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Hugging you all. Wouldja believe I came back to save my own poem? (I seldom save my stuff) But this one I'd like to share with the family, as today is my father-in-law's actual birthday. And besides the house that we're living in now, Mr. B also left us with a truck and a car--fully paid and meticulously cared for, as he was quite persnickety about them. And as fate would have it, just today my husband was driving the car, and was rear-ended on the I-10, forcing him to rear end another vehicle. (the hubby is fine, and actually, the car is in pretty good shape--it's a Crown Victoria and they can take quite a punch.) The driver who caused the damage fled the scene, but not before the hubby caught the plate number. But anyhoo, at the moment of impact, my hubby, through habit, immediately thought, "Dad is gonna kill me." Then he realized... Funny, but it has been three years and it still hasn't quite sunk in. But I told the hubby that perhaps this was his Dad's way of saying "hey." And you'd have to know the long family history of the two of them, and all the various vehicular mishaps to be amused by the synchronicity of today. "Happy Birthday" indeed, Mr. B. and thanks for looking out for us. Because you see, while waiting for the police to arrive, there was a five car pile up right next to the accident scene, and miraculously, no one was injured. *shaking my head* I'm gonna go bake another cake. Thanks for reading. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
This m'lady brought tears and smiles, I can't believe I missed it. I echo Bro Ed and Kari... love you Mxx and i knew in the crystalline knowledge of you |
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muted
since 2004-01-15
Posts 2949Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving |
gave me chills, felt this.... enjoyed this |
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