by ~Gregg Rowe~
He sees her daily walk barefoot on tepid sands,
Through deep dark forests shadowed by summer lit stars--
Reflecting thoughts to a son who lives very far,
And wishing one day to hold his manhood hands.
Under the autumn moonlight she tearfully stands:
The guilt she feels has left her a lifetime of scars
Has life a way of becoming very bizarre—
À minuit sous la lune -- she sews funeral plans:
She sits at her Singer -- patching a six by nine
Panel -- as she sips a glass of blood red wine,
And think of all the blue, blue oceans he had swam.
And in every stitch of love there was a fine line --
That this bright piece of cloth would be her final shrine
To a gay son who she had never gave a damn.
Author notes
À minuit sous la lune Translation: At midnight under the moon...
I have always envisioned how mymother would feel being a seamstress to create a panel for the AIDS Memorial Quilt in my honour. The last line of the poem is ironic today, since my mother and I are on better speaking terms than in the past, but I have a desire to leave the last line untouched because it can be read two different ways, if she really didn't give a damn, then she wouldn't be spending time creating a Memorial Panel. gregg 
Written March 25th, 2005
In a list
- HIV and AIDS • next in list
- Canadian Songs (Sonnets) • next in list
- Gregg's Golden Cups • next in list
- Traditionali
st Form Freak • next in list - Course: Theory of Rhyme • next in list
- Pop Culture • next in list
A contest entry
- One winner all Trophies by .
450 points, ended January 2, 2006, 7 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
-
I have witnessed the AIDS Quilt in my community only once. I have never forgotten how tears ran down my face as I read the memorials lovingly stitched by family and friends. Not long after; a classmate of mine died of AIDS. I was honored when the family asked me to help them stitch Doug's patch. Everyone should bear witness to these fallen family and friends.
s and ♥
Willow -
Oh Gregg I just now read this shame on me.. Too sadly I am sure this has been the case for so many.
I love the picture in the background, one hand it breaks my heart as it shows how many have suffered and on the other how a world and community can bond together for a cause.. Take Care and Congrats on a well deserved Gold, Catressa
-
lordoftherings, thankyou once again for your entry into this contest. I thought this was awesome, your portrayal of the relationship was composed with great creativity, I especially liked the fact I seen something new each time I re read, this really was superb, Many thanks Lola
Edited on May 15, 12:24 because ''. -
Quite heartwrenching piece with many good metaphores and key descriptions, and very elegant choice of words,
"The guilt she feels has left her a lifetime of scars"
"Reflecting thoughts to a son who lives very far"
Very great lines that also evoke the sense of separation, of distance whether it's physical or spiritual, and how the Quilt may have the tears of her repent and the stiches of love deeply knit and woven to it. It is really how good that you and her are coming to better terms. Good luck in the contest ~ Juan Anguas
Edited on May 12, 6:07 p.m. because ''. -
Gregg...I've read another written by you on the same lines and they both touched me deeply. Good luck in the contest
Ruth -
lordoftherings, Thankyou so much for entering this contest, This is really touching,and I do like the duality of the last line. I will comment in more detail at close of contest. Thank you again for your entry. -Lola
-
wow this is really impressive. very good imagery tied into your words, i could see a woman at her sewing machine stitching away with tears on her cheek. thanks for sharing, ill be sure to read more of your work
-
just a beautiful write
-
this is really cool. i like iut a lot.!!!!
-
that is a very good poem i rly felt it thanks for the read
*Carrie (Caroline)
*every1 plz enter my contest! -
Stacie: Please prepare yourself for a very emotional experience if I may be so bold to offer that advice. I have been a co-founder to bring the quilt to Canada in 1989, opened the Québec Chapter of the Names Project in my province, and have always wondered how my mother would feel if she outlived me and decided to do this project. We are just becoming closer again after all these years but I remember when I was at the Last Display representing my country as an International Representative and was so overwhelmed by the vastness of this display. There are times when I publicly speak about this project where I cannot hold back the tears that I experienced from this award-winning project. Gregg
Edited on Mar 25, 6:40 p.m. because ''. -
to say i truly understand and feel what you do would be a lie,but this is very touching.my mom and i sew a lot,and although that is not the main focus of the poem,but what is being sewn,it made me think...if she ever had to do this,oh wow...it's too much to think about.and this reminds me,at my next SPECTRUM(GSA) meeting a rep. from the quilt touring group is going to be our guest speaker.
hope your mood is brightened,
stacie
Adding your comment:
1 - 12 of 12
4 old applause
