In November the Poetry Sisters' invited #PoetryPals Challenge to a writing challenge: Pluck a line or a theme from Jane Hirschfield's Two Versions and let that inspire your poem. When I was ready to write, a passing in the night of a dear friend took precedence. While November is no longer, my poem still sits waiting for me to have one more look. In the first version, my garden bed thrived
Under auspices that Autumn supplied.
Leaves blanketed the garden's flow
As flowers met in an undetermined row.
I listened for nature's quiet stroll.
That often touched my heartfelt soul.
In the second version, one garden bed
Did not follow Fall's design and spread.
In a misconceived, wildflower stance,
Leaves hid amongst wild mint plants.
Shadows of time passed. A single leaf
Hovered in a mix of frosted grief.
draft ©CVarsalona, 2024
Heartstrings tug during November's memories but December brings the good news from a tiny creche. May there be peace and goodwill in the world.
Wow! Carol, I'm so sorry for the grief you are feeling, but it sure did lead to a powerful poem. I love how poems can do that for us, hold all the emotions we hold onto and those we share with others.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, there is much to marvel about in this world, but there are also sadness. I feel the peace of my friend's passing after 4 years of pain and worry but I also feel the grief of her family. Thank you for adding your thoughts. May your days leading to Christmas bring you joy.
DeleteI am very sorry for the sadness in your circle of loved ones and life, certainly amplified by this season where we are supposed to be happy. Your powerful poem exemplifies the "single leaf hovering" and I pray that you find some peace and hope in your reflection.
ReplyDeleteThe glitter of the holiday season brings happiness amidst the passing of my friend. I know that she is feeling the rewards of her faith journey. She shines above reminding us to do so on earth. I think of this and smile. May your days before the holidays bring you peace.
DeleteSo many gems here, even in the pain. This sentence resonates deeply with me: Life is fragile and uncertain, just like my gardens but both are full of "beautiful memories sprayed with a million tears." And the "frosted grief" is just such a visual that it shatters all doubt of the feeling of deep loss. You have a way with words, and they reach right out today and offer the opportunity to step in and hold presence with you.
ReplyDeleteCarol -- I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. My family will be taking your advice and cherishing the "beautiful memories" amongst the "frosted grief" as we face our first Christmas without my father. Such a lovely poem to share with us today.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. The rhyming and word choice conveyed so much feeling.
ReplyDeleteCarol, even though grief filled your November, you look to the peace and joy that radiates from a tiny crèche. May this anticipated coming bring you joy and ease the pain November brought. Bob
ReplyDeleteCarol, your beautiful poem, and indeed your whole post, speak to the healing power of writing. It is more than an outlet. It is a scrapbook of memory, a keepsake, a means of expressing gratitude for life and love with its inevitable losses. As you quote: "Beautiful memories sprayed with a million tears." My heart goes out to you in your grief. Praying peace to you and to your friend's family. And how i love this line: "December brings the good news from a tiny creche." Yes - and the darkness cannot overcome it! Blessings to you, my friend - and thank you for always being one.
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