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Open Poetry #36
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Two Halves of a Whole - Repost with Coda
| Open Poetry #36 |
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Two Halves of a Whole - Repost with Coda |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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Twenty-eight anniversaries he's spent by himself. Each year, he pulls photos down from the shelf And for a few hours and with quite a few tears He lets memories take him back through the years. They met during the war. It was love at first sight - For him at least; She had a date that night. When she said she had plans, he only smiled And said "Tell him goodbye. I'll wait for a while." Days later, they married - he was shipping out. But she didn't whine and sulk and pout Even when their first child entered the world. She simply cabled "It wasn't a girl." He'd wanted a daughter, but took pride in his boy. His small family back home was his greatest joy And helped him through his terror and fear Until he returned to all he held dear. They never had money; their first home was a barn, But poverty wasn't seen as cause for alarm. They made the farm work, drew their drink from a well, Washed clothes in a tub, sold peas that they'd shelled. Laughter and love were the life that they knew So they took hand-me-downs and made clothes like new, Raised God-fearing children, were beloved by their friends, Felt fortunate though they lacked money to spend. They worked hard every day regardless of weather And thought of the years when they'd grow old together. But the dreams that they shared were not to be The prognosis was bad - six months, maybe three. Their love grew stronger as her body grew weak. Then one night his eyes said what his mouth couldn't speak. And the tears wet his cheeks as he buried his wife And wondered how he'd live the rest of his life Without his mate always at his side. For he loved her more than when she'd been his bride. Her sisters stopped visiting, said they couldn't bear Thinking of her in the home she had shared. His gentle reply filled them with guilt "To me, she's still here in this house that we built And I like that, for it's still a home - When I think of her smile, I'm not so alone." When the pictures are finished, he'll slide them back in their place, Put his cap on his head, brush the tears from his face, Walk to his truck and drive to the cemetery As he's done twenty-eight years on their anniversary. Written for my parents... married March 4, 1942. Coda - Reunited This morning, the gates of heaven swung wide And Mother rushed through to stand at his side After thirty-four years of being apart Reunited at last are two halves of one heart. Verda Marshall Smith, 10/19/1922 - 11/10/1971 Arnold Ray Smith, 03/08/1919 - 11/13/2005 Though I type now through a rain of tears I thank you, Daddy... for all those years... |
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| © Copyright 2005 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
I simply couldn't bring myself to post an announcement... please forgive me this indulgence in reposting. *S* I had to come home for clothes... most likely won't be online for a week or so... if you would, please keep us all in your prayers... Heaven's gain is most definitely our loss. |
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pictureme2 Member
since 2005-11-13
Posts 194 |
Bitter sweet. A tear finds its way down my check. Two hearts that beat as one begin again just begun! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
"This morning the gates of heaven swung wide and Mother stepped through to stand by his side." Soft hugs for you...My Mom is terminally sick right now and I have been thinking these same thoughts...that she will finally be reunited with my Dad...take care...James |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
This is so touching, Ruth honey...your love and their's is obvious.  |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
check your email when you have time.  |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
OhSweetie~ I am so very sorry for your loss~ I fondly think of Ray ... and the *HUGS*~ There are dance steps in the Heaven's this day~  Be at peace, my friend, for Ray now is back with his bride~ Love you ... take care~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
You know my thoughts, Laura...all of them. Know too that praying for you in this time of loss. ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Ruth, I'm wrapping my arms around you in your time of loss and grief. There must be some comfort in knowing that your parents have reunited. Your poem is not only a very fine piece of writing, but it contains loving pieces of your heart. It is one of my favourites of yours. In your Dad's release, he will find peace, tranquility, and open arms waiting for him. God speed, Ray!  Love & Eternal Light, Linda xo |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
My thoughts are with you Suthern... I know the loss~~ take care of yourself during this time of sorrow M (p.s. a beautifully touching write) |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
 When we hurt, sometimes our most sacred tears stay hidden and the heart cannot express all the pain that it feels inside. I know the words said to us often pale in the shadow of grief... still I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray you be comforted with the belief that each time we remember, we meet again with those we love.. because the heart never forgets. And, now two hearts have been reunited in Heaven. Good Bless you and help you through this sad time. Heart hugs, Nancy |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
My tears mingle with yours. What a beautiful love... "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
A beautiful write...and do know you're in our prayers and thoughts gal... |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Ruth.... Your folks streamed back in time further than my own... but you know what? They blessed God with you.... and I truly, truly hope.... that you will find reason and love to bear witness to them, and theirs, and all of the moments of love bequeathed to your memories. I have a tall cup... I am waiting to love your loves. K |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
My dear sweet suthern gal, how blessed your parents were to have you for their daughter. You are an extension of their endless love, and that genuine love graces these blues pages every time you post. My heart felt condolences, and many many prayers go out to you and yours. |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Dear suthern girl, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you, Ruth. The love that you grew up around is so very evident in this beautiful poem. ....jo[This message has been edited by iliana (11-17-2005 03:27 AM).] |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Prayers and tears for you. How blessed you were to have parents that loved each other and you. Don't hold back the tears. Let them flow. May they wash away the worst of the pain. I wish you strength, courage and the solace of your beautiful memories. - Owl |
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Greeneyes 
since 2000-09-09
Posts 9903In Your Poetic Mind |
I am so sorry for your loss..... |
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Carolina Member
since 2001-08-17
Posts 224Myrtle Beach, SC |
I am so sorry, suthern  |
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luminosity Senior Member
since 2005-11-18
Posts 813 |
oh my...tears do not allow typing.....travel safe and come back soon and know that an o&o prays for you |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Thank you... each and every one of you... it does help believing they're together again... |
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