Among my pictures
are framed smiles of tender youth
saved in sepia, black and white, color.
Missing are images of some
living only within me now,
some that do not show the look,
or light of eye, or rivers of warmth
flowing the lifelines of my hands,
my heritage.
Remembered snippets,
a whispered whistle, tuneless under her breath,
clacking knitting needles commanded by fingers
that were never still, and mirth that often
spilled ephiphanies when she laughed,
a little out of sync, after the fact ~
The zig-zag cut of my bangs
when the scissors appeared
and the command to hold still ~
Simply cinnamon anticipation
she held for us children, Saturdays, the way
we held savor for the rolls in the oven,
simple joy with no remorse
for shoulds or should nots~
Kindness, honesty, manners
the bread, the leaven,
and dreams born of white cotton,
sheets washed in pure possibility.
Melodious arrows forever lodge in soul,
trace the place where others go,
he and she, who called a small lass
"Pet," saved her cornflower bouquets
and her heart for eternity, in a small
space, safe where thunder rattled
mountains and lightning wounded
the sky with purple vengeance ~
The creak of an old pump,
indentured servant of yesteryear,
coming with a warning not to taste
the frost it bore in winter, and
a memory of large white buttons
sewn on a red nylon dress ~
The smell of peppermint and tobacco
in the pocket of Grandad's Dickies ~
the wild shock of gray hair standing on end
where his forehead came to rest on stacked fists,
the after-dinner table his only place to snooze,
once appetite was sated with biscuits and gravy ~
Offspring grown, found roots indigenous
to seasons of return, sharing
each day, new, and bright with promise,
Stories grew hopes around that table:
adventures, misadventures
and home... my heart,
where they still gather, framed
with love.
Author notes
Carol, I know you have a heritage of strength and wondrous heart, too. I am sorry for the passing of your mother, and with the tears, may the joy of her being comfort you. Hugs...
Love to you ~ Karen
In a list
- Beautiful Words by Beautiful People I Know • next in list
- Inspired by CarolDesjarlais • next in list
A contest entry
- Of Hope And Light A Contest For CarolDesjarlais by penman.
5000 points, ended November 15, 2009, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
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The 'collage of life,' as Nicolette put it well, you wrote about settles into the hearts of many people rather than just for a single person. There is a great intimacy there and makes one cast a shadow past joys (and hardships) across their mind for at least several minutes. Definitely shows the genuine care from the human spirit.
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Alba,
Thank you for stopping to read. I have been marvelously blessed by family.
It's lovely to have a new member in the Rose Garden and I think we need to draw new breath into the poetry. Welcome! ~Karen
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I remember one
There is a whole generation of women like this beloved one of yours, who filled the house and our hearts with warmth. So many of these images are mine too, and made reading a pleasure. Please check the spelling, and take a look at the line, "mountains, and lighting". Many blessings to you, M
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Thank you, Margaret. I edited the spelling. I was blessed with more than one mother, all of them loving, warm hearted and wise women. I'm glad you enjoyed this and hope your memories are as beautiful.
~Karen
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Such a tender and delicately modulated tribute. The commonplace details honestly presented give this piece a lovely intimate feel. These precious snippets of remembrance are to be preserved and cherished. Gorgeous
Mike
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Sometimes, it feels as if they are just in another room, and all I have to do is listen to the laughter. It's been such a strong intuition this year. I think perhaps because my mom was always so happy making things for Christmas, and she was caught in the excitement of the creativity. She built a toy gas station, little pumps and all, one year for my brother. It had an elevator to park the cars on the roof...and she made a doll house for me that even had little electric lamps. Her presence has been palpable lately. I would love to have her ingenuity!
Karen
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Karen,
This is really beautiful. Memories that we hold dear to us. Simple times - Hard times-Fun times, it all is written in our minds.
I kept cutting and was gonna paste my favorite parts, and realized I had the entire thing cut.
Joe
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Joe, I thought of some of the things you shared with me about your life when I wrote this. I know that family extends beyond blood, and I could envision your heart easily among those of my lineage. Thank you for reading and for keeping it all intact!
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Beatuifully done, touching and tender.
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My computer is down, Carol. Love to you... and hugs!
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I agree with Tom - this is so you, Karen, and so very beautiful; such a rich collage of a life here, so much love and light.
~ Nicolette
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So much comes at odd moments and I know the love is still vibrant with life!
Karen
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Stunning. So totally you and the way you became you, such a song of love and the room full of the parent energy.
Love,
Tom B.
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Thank you, Tomis. The energy is everpresent as love and legacy. They are part of me, and I am so fortunate in that way. The heritage is rich with heartspeak, despite the times that I miss being able to hug them physically.
(Computer is still down...) ~K
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There is such a deep sense of sentimentality within this compassionate penning, my Friend.
I know, in coming days, that Carol will find succor and solace within the words of the ones who love her. Of course, healing from such immediate grief will take a long time, and it's not something we ever truly "get over", but with passing time, it will begin to ebb and flow somewhat, allowing sweet memories to penetrate the sorrow she now feels. This is a wonderful offering, Sweetie. I know she will hold it close to her surging heart. Good luck in William's contest, Lady. 
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You are a lovely, lovely heart, my friend. Thank you!
~Karen
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