Memories Are A Funny Thing
I barely recall
last night’s supper or
my first home’s address
nor can I recite
the works of Poe or Frost
at will
but I’ll never forget the feel
of baby soft
miniature hand in mine
or the sight
of your coffin -
cloaked in roses
and oh so small
~~~~~~~~~~~
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
You were a twinkle in your father’s eyes;
a star that fell to light below
my breast and grow within my womb,
though rooted in my heart.
Born upon a cloudless night,
I captured you in outstretched arms.
All heaven’s charms could not compare
to just one gaze upon your tiny face.
How my entire world revolved
around each coo, each laugh, each smile.
Such a short while, your time on earth;
in a twinkle you were gone.
It’s been five years of star filled nights;
five years of searching darkened skies;
of questioning the whys and hows;
and the answers don’t come easy.
Perhaps someday, I’ll understand
the principle behind it all;
how one so small could somehow leave
a hole so big inside my heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Grief Stills The Time
It seems as only days have passed
Since I felt your movements last
I still can feel your hand in mine
Why does it seem grief stills the time
I’m sure it was just yesterday
That death came to steal life away
How can it be it’s been five years
And life goes on despite my tears
My arms still ache beneath the weight
Of tiny body held too late
My ears still hear your phantom cries
Though your heart stopped, it’s mine that dies
Will ever infants at the mall
Not cause me pain or to recall
Your perfect face, your ivory skin
Or bring the tears I hold within
Will the passing of the years
Mend my heart or dull my fears
I curse those who’ve learned not to feel
They say with time, all grief will heal
~~~~~~~~~~~
Barren
A decade passed does not erase
The mem’ry of your angel’s face
The scent of lotion on your skin
The longing I feel deep within
Nor does the passing of ten years
Dull newborn cries or soothe my tears
Or mar the picture froze in time
Of coal black hair and hand in mine
I lost you on that Christmas eve
The child I tried hard to conceive
I held you as you fought so brave
Then buried you in silent grave
Ten years, my gift, each passing Yule
A barren womb, though heart lies full
A contest entry
- Three out of four by cricketjeff.
1300 points, ended March 28, 2008, 16 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Chazak! Chazak! Chazak!
Strength! Strength! Strength!
Nice poems, Ruth!
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dear ruth,
no words will be able to ease your pain, but please just know that my heart shares your grief, and your sadness does not fall on deaf ears ...
thank you for opening your heart to us and for allowing us to hold your hand and offer you our tears of compassion ...
much love,
marion
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four poems, I marked all four and used the three highest scores. Not exactly what was asked for but probably the nearest of all the entrants, 4 poems about a single event and its consequences. Hard to find a criticism, one individual poem in the contest outscored your average mark.
Good use of the four voices to change the always sad mood, all the poems well written. Superb, but so,so, sad.
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Ruth I can't tell you how your words have effected me. The poetry forms are perfect as are your choice of words.
I hope that by now you have found the comfort you seek and know that my love comes with these words.
Yours...Sue
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Dearest Ruth these works are so very sad and personal There is little that brings tears to these old eyes of mine but your words do. I recall a couple of years ago i attended my goddaughters funeral the saddest thing i have ever seen was the tiny white coffin.I accepted my dear wifes passing far easier than i did this tiny child,Truly moving works
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So sad Ruth
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