Her hair was like sunlight, framing a face that
could only have belonged to an Angel
Perfectly formed brows hovered over chocolate
brown eyes that sparkled with the excitement
of youth, and the promise of possibilities.
Her willowy form moved with a languid grace
that few achieve in a lifetime; borne from the
confidence that life was endless, and she had
much to do... much to be.
And while the outside 'package' that she presented
to the world was most appealing, it could never
begin to match the beauty that lived inside of her.
Her heart was generous, and giving;
her humor and wit, a constant delight.
Her gift for putting words to paper that could shake
one to the very core of their soul, was immense.
But her spirit... oh, her beautiful spirit, was what
made her the joy that she was; and that spirit
gave us another attribute to love about her,
before it was all said, and done.
She was a true 'hero,' in every sense of that word.
She fought the most cruel battle of her life, and
did it with humor, and dignity, and a concern
for those around her; it hurt her to think
that those who loved her were suffering, as they watched.
Her name was Sunshine; quite befitting the young woman
she became, and although with us for such a short time,
she is forever in our minds, and the memory of who she was,
and what she gave, will forever be etched upon our hearts.
In loving memory
of Sunshine Joy Curtis
May 23, 1980-Feb 6, 2001
© copyright 2005 paula dagnel
Author notes
Written about my daughter Sunshine, on the morning of May 23, 2004 which would have been her 24th birthday. She died of a rare form of cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Written May 23rd, 2004
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 80 of 80
-
Wonderful!
Blessed are those that can tell a story that diffuses the light of love; respect and family values.
I sensed a magical energy when I reached the fourth stanza. Usually I read every word in a poem; then I read line by line, and stanza by stanza, then I read the poem twice. This time — I read the title, and on to the fourth stanza... and on to last line — while cerebrating with the cadence of the emotions within the words of "Remembering Sunshine".
The Tributee has complied with her mission. I am grateful to Mother Poet for this privileged time for reading this — "Remembering Sunshine" in tribute to a sublime soul.
This composition did touch the heart of my soul. "Remembering Sunshine" glows.
In gratitude and admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
-
Dearest Sunshine....you have a wonderful Mother who has honored you with this poem. I can see the love even after the passing...is still very strong between you two. It'll never end. Great Poem! Very well written and very touching. I lost my Mother in 2001.
-
-
Hey again, bud. I guess we have something in common, my friend. And it looks like we both lost our dear ones the same year. Please let me express my sympathy for your Mother. They say time heals all wounds, and while there is some truth to that, I'm sure you know that it's a wound that never quite completely heals over. I know, though, that I was priviledged to have had her in my life, even for those few, short years. I'm sure you feel the same, and rightfully so! Thanks so much for reading, and leaving such a precious comment, and the very generous applause!
-
-
I am sorry for your loss. Your beautiful dedication to your daughter is nothing short of amazing and really very emtional and so touching. Her soul was one of perfection. Cancer is a terrible disease and it has touched one very close to me. I am not sure what that form is but I shall look it up as it does interest me a lot. This piece flowed so wonderfully and the rhthm were just a sheer delight. There is an old german saying that says, that for every star that shines in the sky, so there to is a spirit of a loved one shining down on you. I am sure you wonderful daughter is always there smiling and keeping you company. I truly believe that life continues, just in another form. God bless you and your lovely daughter.
-
wow this is truly touching, great write and such beauty in your words. She looks gorgeous and I want to say sorry for your loss; even though words do not seem enough xx
-
Oh that's harsh!!!
It makes it so much more real with the picture accompanying the poem...
Man. I hate crying... I;m crying... oh.
I can see why it would do the same to you...
And she was only a kid!! Not even 21!!!
I cannot imagine a worse pain than to see a lioved one die... -
you are a wonderful person,paula. the loss of a child seems to be the most difficult ones and in knowing you i see that you are a real trooper.i sometimes wonder how you get through, but then i realize that you truly love God and it's through him that you sustain.i have read one of Sunshine's works and i can say it's a talent that she inherited because you are an awesome writer.her work did blow me away and i suspect that it was that talent that helped her spirits to stay high at her most difficult time.i am so blessed to know you and in knowing you i know sunshine.
-
Cancer is such a terrible thing, and seems so wide spread anymore. I personally have a brother with it now, lost a grandmother and my step father from it, as well as had several other close relatives have harsh brushes with it all with in the last four years. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, being still young myself, and having no children, but I know that what you have written is a great honor to her. And she is immortalized through your words and your memories, and you portray her as strong and caring, both things I can easily tell she got from you. This was a beautiful poem, with even more beautiful sentiment, thank you so much for writing it and even more for sharing it with all of us.
-
Yes, this had made me cry. Nothing can prepare a parent for the loss of a child, even if you know it's going to happen. What a beautiful woman she became, adn the qualities were just as beautiful too, thanks to her upbringing. How your faith has kept you strong, and will continue to keep you that way. Each year at this time you remember, and grieve again. God bless. Take care.
-
excellent
I am so sorry Sunshine had to move on, but although don't see her, she is very much alive in spirit and around you all the time. I know you have felt her and probably had confirmation of her presence in your home. Be happy with her and keep telling her she is loved, Although I know that she is already aware of that. from one mother who has lost a child to another.
My heart is your heart. We understand.
Hugs and Blessings
Jan -
Thank you for sharing these precious poems with me. I'm so sorry you lost your daughter. I wish I could have know her. I can tell, just by looking at her picture, what a truly beautiful person, inside and out, she was.
Love you,
Krista -
A very touching write my dear friend, brought a tear to my eye. From what you wrote, it seems that she is of true sunshine. She's beautiful
I'm sure she's still shining.
You are a true poet. No other can make me feel the emotions they paint with their words. I'll keep looking out for your published work
Kate
-
This was one of the most touching poems I have read on allpoetry. It is so hard to experiance something like this, and I give you props to be able to share this with us. This poem could not be any more perfect. Keep writing!!
-
beutiful imagery
-
sad
Sad, but it was good, you have a great way to express your feelings... -
Amazing
Wow. Beautiful. You have a way with words. I felt as though it was my own child. -
there are no words to express how sorry i am that you lost your beautiful daughter to cancer...for the short time she was here with you and shared a gift of joy and light, how thankful i know you must be. the photograph of her here is beautiful, and your poem touches on so many feelings deep in a mothers heart. your child will be alive in your soul and heart, years and years can never take her memories and beautiful spirit from you. she lives on in the songs she loved, the poems and thoughts she shared, and most of all, she lives on in comfort of love you recieve from all who learn of how she lived, loved, and even how she died. one of my favorite songs is the 'you are my sunshine, my only sunshine' and i will never hear it again without thinking of this poem i have read today and the love of a mother who wrote it. your daughter, your own sunshine joy, brings even more hope as an beautiful angel than she could have ever imagined. i was having a difficult morning, until i read this....god bless you always. i know you will see your Sunshine again.
-
this is so beautifully written, i can tell that you were very close to your daughter, and i think that she would have loved this poem just as much as i do, if not even more, keep up the good work and know that her memory lives on
-
What powerful verses! I really enjoyed this poem and I thought you did an excellent job. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work.
-
how sweet. what a nice poem! fun to read. I can really picture her. Wow im sorry, but this was a fantastic poem!
-
Aww, that's so sad but sweet. Love it. She sounds like she was a very beautiful person with a great heart. I am sorry for your loss, but also you should know she is in a better place and you will see her again one day. Thank you for sharing your feelings and not choosing to grieve in silence. I hope life will continue on for you and your family. Very great poem!
-
Would like to read a piece or two by Sunshine. Any thought of posting some of her pieces? Touching memorial for someone I'm sure meant the world to you.
-
excitement was most deffinitely meant to be sparkled
im sorry for the loss of your loved one
im sure if sunshine is looking down on you from the clouds she would be proud of you
words cannot describe a death of someone you care about
but somehow you know you dont need them
i lost my friend in a train wreck a few months ago
anyway
good poem -
I'm so sorry about your loss.
This is a beautiful poem, as beautiful as the lady in the picture... I don't know what you did, but you did it so beautifully and then when you said she had passed...
It made me cry, this did.
Well done :-)
ELW -
This is a truly beautiful tribute to your daughter. Her name is so befitting. I'm really sorry to hear about what happened, I'm lost for words. A beautiful poem. Polly
-
This is such a great piece. Sorry for your loss. But very good poem. Keep up the good work.
-
I know I have read and commented on this before but this just brought me to tears to think of your immense loss. I have no words to comfort you. Even though you must be devastated I know the angels in heaven are smiling for one of their own has come home. My sincerest condolences.
Sincerely,
Leo Long -
This is a beautiful piece of work. The sentiment is so touching. The loved ones we've lost should always be remembered and honored with fond memories, and I love how you've made this poem so personal to you. Wonderful. I wish I could say more, but I really can't. I loved it.
-
Peace and joy
Beautiful words of praise to honor the lasting memory of a lost loved one. It is always good to remember those who have left us, to keep them with us , hold them near. They have simply walked the path that we all must someday walk. We will meet them in the clearing beyond the trees. -
Tears, tears, tears.....I am so sorry that she suffered so, but with dignity. If I had an applause left, you would get one for this amazing beautiful tribute to your daughter.The beauty on the inside always makes the beauty on the outside shine brighter. I can see from her picture, her loving, caring soul and I wish I could have met her. I, too have two sons suffering from cancer, and they also live their lives with dignity! I pray for them every day and honor them with poetry like this one.If you have the time, please visit my poem called "The Rose of Chad" Your daughter has made her maek on the world and will continue to be your shining star!
Linda
-
Hi, this is so very beautiful and touching, we ask so often why did God take away the best, perhaps because she was just that, that he called her, a lovely poem, everything about it is wonderful, all the best my friend and God bless, hugs Di
-
Heartbreaking and touching write
I am truly sorry to hear this and I have had cancer three times. This is a beautiful testimony to her life. I guess today is sad for you as you as well. May is a sad month for me too. I do hope you will check out the cancer survivors group as a parent having lost someone to cancer. This is incredibly well done. -
A+
That gave me goosebumps and touched my soul so deeply. Blessings to you. -
Exquiste... two thumbs up!!
An exquisite tribute truly inspiring... "Her willowy form moved with a languid grace
that few achieve in a lifetime, borne from the
confidence that life was endless, and she had
much to do; much to be. " amazing how her shine eminates even now in your glorious tribute May the peace and joy of your path be the torch for others to see
-
This is a very very beautiful tribute. She is certainly very pretty and i'm sure the world benefitted from her time on this earth. Very well written.
-
I am so glad you added her picture to this beautiful tribute to a beautiful daughter. And Paula, she is soooo beautiful. (I think she favors you~ )
-
Congratulations on a well deserved trophy. Beautiful work.
S♠m
-
This has touched me deeply. I could feel how much you loved her in every word that you wrote. I could hear the passion in each line. My heart breaks for you, and I thank God for comforting you through all your pain and loneliness. God bless..
S♠m
-
Paula, only you could write such a sentimental and beautiful poem after suffering such a devasting loss. Your character shines through this poem as much as Sunshine's does.
I'm glad you entered this into the contest. ~vj
Edited on Apr 01, 6:02 p.m. because ''. -
4 tissue boxes
Talk about a tear jerker! Paula, this is truly exsquisite.But then so was the inspiration! I can't imagine losing a child. I only know what it was like telling my mother she had lost hers. I don't know if I could still hold the grace and strength to somehow move on as elegantly as you or my mother did. What a truly beautiful name for a child, Sunshine Joy.
Much love to you always Paula.
~Michelle~
-
Aww this is so sad. But you wrote this beautifully. Nicely done. Good luck in the contest
-
wow... this was fantastic...i don't think i have quite as much to say as you did about my poem (thanks a lot!) but this was still pretty cool. It rocked intensely hard!
-
wow this really deserved the gold and the first place ! its really sweet , the title is very strong and its a very strong poem !! this is an amazing write ! thankyou for sharing this brilliant and beautiful piece of poem !! its all very emotional and touching !
-
great stuff
Although I can't say that I've ever lost an immediate family member, and especially not a child, I have lost someone close to me and so I understand to a degree the feelings that your poem conveys. As for the piece itself, eloquently articulated. It flows so smoothly that you hardly notice that you are reading it. Amazing work from an amazing artist. -
Beautiful, a fitting tribute
-
Excellent
Dear Paula,
You write with such emotion, and so beautifully, that it seems pedantic of me to make one or two minor criticisms of grammar, but, I shall (even though as a newcomer, perhaps I don't have the right) ; but having used "one", I believe it would be better to say "one's" soul, rather than "their" soul.Also, I think it should be "those WHO loved her were suffering". That said, what impresses me most about you is your ability to change style, and still write brilliantly. One of the people above commented that you seemed "professional". If you're not already, I would definitely consider sending your work to a publisher, because I think you are refreshingly brilliant. NB I've not been in touch recently because I've been away on hols in Egypt. I'm up to Part 6 of The Ballad of Joe Fleming, but can't be bothered to submit them here - frankly, I'm so useless on the PC that I don't really know how to use this site properly. I entered a couple of poems for competitions, and where it says "click for results", there were no results - just a list of entries ! I need to get to know the site. Anyway, well done again.
Love,
Robin. -
Paula,
I am heartbroken that you lost a daughter. The first line of this exquisite tribute poem made me know that the person you were speaking of was very close to you. My heart mourns for you, and your family. I have all of my children with me still, and often take that so for granted. I was upset with them for a few days because of promises made but not kept. This poem has made me see that life is too short for such trivial things. I am going to get off the site now and call all four of them, and let them know how much I really do love them. Thank you for sharing a part of you that I know is very personal, and dear to your heart. God bless and keep you and your family. I know if George is writing about you, you are truly a touching, special person. I need to visit you more often, and I will.
Much Love,
Renee
-
Oh jeez, this is terribly sad. I had a baby die but I've always thought it would have been MUCH worse {although it was already bad} if he had passed when he was an adult or even an older child. I'm so sorry for you. I hope you're doing okay now You are in my prayers.
~*Destiny*~ -
Oh my God Paula this is incredible. I'm so sorry for what happened to your daughter; losing someone so close is something I can only imagine. I'm sorry my poem 'To the Woman at the Swimming Pool' affected you so much-losing a child is something no parent should ever have to go through. Sunshine was obviously a fantastic, beautiful, vibrant woman, and your love for her is evident throughout this wonderful piece. I'm so sorry for your loss but remember-
"Many people walk in and out of our life-only certain people leave footprints on our hearts"
nobodysees x -
MilLady, I find I have been Remiss in my reading of your Writings! I thought I had been most dillegent. I am truely sorry about Sunshines Passing. Somethings are as if they happened yesterday. You are truley a strong woman and I am envious of that strength. I'm sure God is watching over you, and this must be were your Wellspring of Kindness comes from, Your inner strength is a testament to that I think. You are a special woman of Light! Red
-
This is so beautifully written - very touching; sad, but so full of grace and dignity in describing "Sunshine" that it makes it a real joy to read. A wonderful tribute to someone very special.
Sincerely,
LeRoy -
Ahh... This is so sad. I'm sorry about your loss.... This is such a beautiful poem. You must miss her.... I love this poem. I think I'm going to cry..... Well, keep writing, and good luck in my contest.... *tears* Well, laters.
~Lost~ -
This was very good!
-
I love tribute poems, they're always so beautiful (except this one I wrote for my role model once
)....but anyway, this was absolutely amazing, the imagery, the symbolism, the word choice...I love the heart that was obviously put in behind the scenes of this peice...The imagery: absolutely amazing... You're so good, I swear I think I'm reading that of a proffesional...well this was AMAZING....never stop writing
Much love and respect
~~inuyasha~~ -
Wow, this is a very deep and moving write. I'm so sorry
about your daughter. You have described such a beautiful
person in this poem. A lovely tribute to your daughter.
God Bless you and thank you so much for commenting on my
poem 'Innocent Days'. I really appreciate it!
~ Katie
-
I too am a mother. I could not, as many of your readers have said, imagine myself in such a situation. Perhaps, not so much as could not as dare not. I can only begin to feel the sting of such a situation. Peace and Blessings with you, for never can such a thing be easy, regardless of how much time you have had to heal!
-
aaawwwww,I know how it feels to lose a loved one to cancer, alot of my family members had it, I love the way you described her though, this is really well written
-
to many times ppl assume beauty is only skin deep this poem is absolutely beautiful and i love it a ton keep writing i'm gonna be an all poetry junkie too
-
I bet you she was smiling up there in Heaven when you compiled this one. A beautiful fine tribute indeed, one that will truly live on in hearts through time I believe. A real pleasure to read.
-
this is beautifully touching, your love shines through in waves of brilliant light. i will leave a smile for you and for your daughter - thank you for leading me here, it was a pleasure to read. i am sorry that you went through such pain.
here is that smile -
-
This brought tears to my eyes... and that is very hard to do. What a loving, gentle tribute to her! I am so very sorry for your loss. The poem, well it's outstanding and I bet it was so hard to write. God bless you dear. ~Melissa
-
Fabulous tribute!
Lady, this is my Favorite! It is a wonderful, wonderful tribute to your daughter. She must be smiling down from heaven, seeing this product of the love you have for her!
As I said, this is my favorite, a beautiful work. -
This is an amazing and beautiful write..and such a wonderful tribute to your daughter..I couldn't begin to imagine what it feels like to lose a child..I have a 5 year old son..he is my life..as I said I just could not imagine..I don't want to try..This touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes..you have a talent for words..thank you for sharing this...
~~Kristy
(Thank you for your lovely comment on my written thoughts (Sand and Sun) -
Excellent
This wonderful poem is a fitting tribute to a rare lady indeed. A lady that had inner and outer beauty in abundance. You've penned an awesome write that is every bit as beautiful as Sunshine.
My best regards,
Leo Long
ps. I must read more.
-
I guess we get to exchange on tributes today...I can't imagine the pain and therapy that must have went into this write...I do not have the eperience of losing a child. A small token of rememberance cannot erase the huge memories, only enhance them. Gregg
-
Omg I am sorry. I think your daughter would have loved it.
This poem brought a tear to me. I loved every verse.
Although every verse was exquisite I especially loved this one "And while the outside "package" that she presented
to the world was most appealing, it could never
begin to match the beauty that lived inside of her." This is how I feel about my partner. She has dystemia (A form of Depression) I tell her these words and others similiar to what you have wrote all the time.
Thanks for sharing it with me.
Blessed Be
Billy
-
The poem has brought tears to the eyes. What a beautiful tribute to the memory of your daughter. An angel that brought many memories to all who knew her. May that courage that she had be remembered by all and not how she died. Great poem and Thank you for your comment on "Heart of Spring". God bless Rick
-
I am often haunted by those who die young, wondering how I escaped the scythe of death, a friend of mine died when his transistor radio fell overboard from his rowboat, and at 14 he jumped in to get it and never came up again, a young girl of nine running across the beach to the snack bar at which i stood at twelve, and a ball of lightning stole her future right in front of us, and the smell lingers still, and here is your daughter, who would have been 24 and there is so much more, sunshine got a lot brighter the day she went to heaven, except for you and yours, but you can look back now and reralize that the warmth of the sun was like the warmth of her smile, even on her cloudiest, grayest of days....you will be together again someday, and she will be forever well, and share all the love you lack form her now...it waits above....hugs and peace to you...Artis
-
Wow, I really don't feel like I'm compentent enough to write a comment to such a deep, powerful and meaningful poem. I cannot critique this based on power of wording or how I liked the stanzas or whatever, and so all I can critique it on is well, personal opinion.
And er, my personal opinion is that it must take great strenght of self to write about something like this, because I know that I often can't write about things for a really long time after they have happened, and even 3 years doesn't seem like a long enough time for me to write about something like my daughter's passing. This was beautiful and sad and really touched my heart
Much Luv,
xx-x0Anna0x-xx -
OH MY!!! I was gone from here for a few days!!! Look what has happened!!!! Our Lady WRITES!!!! Let me tell YOU something, Lady. THIS IS WONDERFUL!!! WOW! I will have Jasmine read this too! Twenty thumbs up! (I'm all thumbs, sometimes).
-
I'm stunned by your kindness, Amy! I can't begin to tell you how much that means to me. YOUR work is AMAZING, so, I consider your commments quite high praise! Thanks so much for taking time to read these both! Means alot to me!
Much love, Paula
Edited on May 31, 10:32 p.m. because ''. -
"for the others around her; it hurt her to think
that those that loved her were suffering, as they watched."
THIS IS GORGEOUS!!! I agree completely with Poet Raja, and I am speechless in a good way! Another excellent write.
Love
Amy -
Thank you, Robin! That's very sweet! Even after 3 years, I must admit, the pain is still, at times, intense, but I know she's with the Lord, and I'll see her again! That's what makes it bearble! I appreciate your taking the time to read it! (And by the way, again, let me say that your contest piece was INCREDIBLE! If you DONT win, we'll just have to talk to the judges, huh? LOL) Much love,
Paula
-
I remmber you telling me about your little girl I am soooo sorry for the pain you had to go through with her passing I know that had to hurt like hell in her memory I wish her a happy bday I am sure she is in a wonderful place I wish you so much love Robin...aka SH
-
Wow, the last few lines of this caught in my throat, and the title is absolutely perfect, with its double meaning. Great write, my favorite line was "she had/ much to do, much to be"
-
Oh, wow. This poem was absolutely beautiful, and I am truly sorry for your loss. The picture you paint of your daughter is one of immense grandeur and beauty.
Reading that she was so young was just terribly sad. I am rarely moved to the point of tears by writing, but this piece is a wonderfully moving tribute to someone who must have been incredibly special. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
You say on your front page you're not a poet. I think a poet is someone who can make a reader feel what they write. I felt this piece. -
I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. This beautiful poem is a fitting elegy. You really have learned to be graceful with language, and you must continue to hone your skills. Thanks for a touching piece.
Scott
-
great job!
that was so good!! -
OMFG PAULA!!!! are you serious you havent wrote ANYTHING before?
damn, that was good, great job, that really brought a image to my mind, very descriptive!!! i aspeically like this part:
Perfectly formed brows hovered over chocolate
brown eyes that sparkled with the excitement
of youth, and the promise of possibilities.
Her willowy form moved with a languid grace
that few achieve in a lifetime, borne from the
confidence that life was endless, and she had
much to do; much to be. -
Wonderful
Good Lord, Lady, this is wonderful to say the least. So sad to read but so much talent in the writing and presentation.
You have captured the image of the girl wonderfully and versed it in such exquisite manner that I am spellbound.
This is not just a tribute to your daughter but a biography of a wonderful young lady who lived bringing Sunshine to the world just as her name was.
Keep writing what touches your heart and brings out your emotions and that is what makes real poetry.
Lady, You are doing great as a poet and your play with words is excellent.
Love from India - Joel -
Adding your comment:
1 - 80 of 80
