Yearly

Each year
emotional,
unable to work out
how to celebrate without her
presence.

05/12/2019

Mothers Day Weekend

Activity
taking place today
at East Ridgelawn.

Cars line the
parking area as

People bond with loved ones;
at the plot next to Mom's,
a family redecorates

Their matriarch's resting place,
planting lovely florals.

Across the way, some children
run to greet a relative,
their father keeping watch.

I spend a few moments
with Mom, realigning a brick
that slipped out of place.

I say my prayers for her,
and communicate,

Memories taking me back
to my mom's house,
conversing during visits.

Always soft-spoken,
yet listening to every word.

So valuable were those moments;
fleeting, yet precious.

05/11/2019

Not Quite Easier

This weekend is filled 

with family gatherings;

Saturday with my loved ones,

Sunday with his. 

This weekend will bring

emotions I would rather

not deal with,

Yet I will be in the company 

of loved ones, instead of

being alone.

I did that six years ago, and 

that was a huge mistake.

Mom is no longer with me,

yet being with loved ones 

help during this time of year.

I still think of her every day,

and wish she was still with me,

As I quietly wait for 

Mothers Day to pass once again.

05/09/2019

One Week Away

These few days leading
up to Mother's Day

Are usually approached
with trepidation,

Memories of her love
now takes the place

Of phone calls and visits,
still painful many years later.

Even knowing
that she is never far

Still brings sadness,
since our thread

Of communication
is silent.

05/05/2019

Somber

The night
ended with a
surprising shock, missing
a furry friend that raced under
the car.

03/31/2019

Photos

Reading
and looking at
photos of us in years
past, her gaze calm and pensive, full
of strength.

03/21/2019

Closer

Spending
the day prepping
for tomorrow, a day
always difficult, always long
each year.

03/21/2019

Tears

I never thought
we would gather
to reflect on
your death.

Fond memories,
morphing to the
final weeks of
your life.

I knew we were
there to reflect,
yet your loss still
hit hard,

Our reflections
culminating
to the active
free write:

Tear Water Tea,
my memories of you
crashing across my mind
like waves,

Splintering the lock
that held my composure
at bay, my mind
almost breaking.

And then,
the emotions stedied.
my control returned.

I was with my
loving group, yet
I needed to
stay strong.

I know that I
am not alone
in my mourning.

Yet, the tea must
wait for another time.

The tears may flow, alone.

07/29/2018

Qualities

Always
remembering
your rich storytelling
and the endless compassion for
others.

05/29/2018

Beloved Friend

Today
a beloved friend
passed away, no longer
suffering from illness, but missed
by all.

05/28/2018

Carnage

Carnage
shocks this lively
community, heavy
gunfire tearing families
apart.

12/02/2015

Don't Let Go

Don't ever let go of

the thread.

Even when life

takes away

What you held close

for so long,

You never let go 

of that thread.

Even when your trust

is betrayed,

When the ones you

believed in

Weaves a web 

of deceit,

You never let go

of that thread.

Hold on for dear life,

since this sacred thread

Which is now frayed

is a path to more

Intricate stories to come,

adding another layer

To your evolving

life journey.

You never let go

of that thread.

**Inspired by 'The Way It Is' by William Stafford**

8/21/2013

Splintered

When the place you've once
called sanctuary

Falls into great
disrepair,

When the place you've once
considered a haven

Splinters and fails
from broken promises,

All that you can do
is mourn,

So you grieve for
the peace once shared,

Peace that will never again
emerge from that space,

Then after you've grieved,
after all the tears are shed,

You take a deep breath,
pull yourself together,

And continue on your
journey once again.


7/31/2013

Now and Always

I look out the window
and gaze up

At the stars,
and I can sense

The light of your eyes
reflecting from the

Shining stars;
I know you are

Encouraging me
to stay strong,

To live out the dreams
meant for my life

At this moment,
and always.

1/7/2012

Closer

As the days

leading to your

remembrance

draw closer,

I think about

your wisdom,

your devotion,

and how

Your presence is

always missed.

3/10/12

Visiting You

We are now apart,

but I always cherish your

presence as I go

to where you rest, my soul calm

when there, sadness mixed with peace.

2/11/2012

Mom's Healing Words

During my days

of confusion,

Doubt, fear, I wish

I can call you,

Reach out to you

when I am unsure

About the choices

and decisions made.

I try to move through life

with certainty,

Yet there are issues

unresolved, frayed

In my life's tapestry,

and only your

Gentle words and advice

can mend the thread.

1/13/2012

She Guides

You enter my thoughts

whenever I am in need.

You watch from above

at all times; even when I

have rough days, you are with me.

1/12/2012

Precious Moments

Sometimes

days pass quickly,

relationships

Not given

Serious thought

until it's too late.

Moments in time

morph into memories,

Loving embraces

And cherished words

fading into the void

of wishes and dreams.

We must value

these precious moments

before it's too late.

12/20/2011

Visiting Mom

The chilled air cuts deep,

yet that doesn't stop me from

visiting your space.

12/19/2011