the pampas grass begins to speak
grown brittle & dry
it whispers & sighs
swaying
on a slightly cooler breeze
as summer slowly exhales
& another season quietly dies
drawing me inescapably closer
to that same familiar grief
the weight of which never truly leaves
a burden I willingly carry
for you were the world to me
your absence still felt
like the echo of laughter
in a suddenly empty room
at a loss
unsure what to do
though today I celebrate you
your courage & unfailing will
marked my eternal north star
keeping me straight & true
always reaching
just to touch the strength in you
knowing heroes don’t really wear capes
or harbor any secret identity
they break…
in plain sight…
& painstakingly reassemble
& they never give up
proving to eyes dazzled with adoration
life is worth the battle
because of you
I hold myself accountable
always looking for another foothold
to scale the face of my personal mountain
trying to remember…
from time to time…
to stop & behold the view
seen from a higher elevation
I must now witness it
not only for me
but also for you
as I solemnly await
the breathtaking arrival
of your beloved harvest moon
10/5/1944 – 9/22/1990
Not nearly long enough
Always missed
Hello poetess,
Reading your words, a thread within me quietly gave way to a wave of sorrow that had receded for some time.
You’re very talented. Is that your voice?
I wish it was my voice. Unfortunately between covid & asthma I no longer have the pipes I once did. My daughter…she’s got the mother-lode in voice skills. But no, it’s not me or my daughter. Thank you for the moment & welcome to the Stars. Look forward to seeing where you take us
Thank you for the warm welcome, poetess. You may have lost your singing voice, and for that I am truly sorry, but your voice is strong and powerful. I will be watching you as well.
Thank you. When do we get to see your words on the screen? There’s not a lot of interaction happening here these days, but I’m happy to hear new voices and support talent and heart!
I took down my posts. I’ll post again when I have more confidence in this sight, beautiful poetess.
Get some words up and I will be there for them. I haven’t figured out the support system here yet. I started out trying to comment on everything I could but some never reply, many don’t reciprocate and eventually I gave up. I will never be part of the “it” crowd, but I am solidly in the corner of sincere crowd, if that fits your needs. There are a few who are incredibly supportive. I’m grateful for them, support in return and don’t stress the rest. At the moment this is the best option available. Hopefully it will remain that. 😊
One can’t feel loss if they’ve never had anything to lose.
Terrific write. Poignant and personal.🙏💋🙏🙏
Very true. Thank you
Great write willow.
This touches the soul and gives it a squeeze.
Wonderful writing chica:)
He was an amazing guy and a wonderful father. Thank you
No always a good reason to write, perhaps, but you always write them good. Tribute poems are the “in spite of death”. It can never be final as long as we never let go.
This is a statue, done in delicate honor. You created another corner in heaven.
Well written, Willow.
It’s become a tradition for me. Honoring him on his birthday. I wouldn’t say it eases the ache any, but it feels a bit like giving him a hug. I’ll stop missing him when I stop breathing. Thank you
Life is a battle. And there are those who battle for us. It is hard when we lose those people. Great ink friend.
His own personal battles were enormous. But he didn’t give up until his body gave out. I see him all the time in my daughter, who only met him as a baby. He’s been my inspiration. Never lost his sense of humor. I’m told he died smiling. And that is one helluva legacy. Thank you, my friend
Beautifully penned, Willow. Loved the arrangement. Starting with just vocal & piano, then introducing another instrument every verse throughout. First the bass line was nice, add some light drums, some strings, add in a build, then a harder drum beat, really enjoyed your choice of music. It pulled at my heartstrings my friend, the subtle changes added layers. Excellent work!! A lovely tribute. Appreciate you.
Damian
He loved music. The number of times I woke up to ABBA blasting through the house, or the Statler Brothers…it had to be perfect to honor his love of music. He used to pretend he couldn’t sing, howling lyrics loudly off-key, just to get me to sing them correctly. Then he’d sit back smiling his head off. Memories are all I have now, but they’re beautiful. Thank you, my friend
What magnificent Requiem for a beloved person!! Powerful and bittersweet. Brilliant work, dear Willow!
Thank you. I will honor him until I’m no longer able
Makes us think of the month of Abib and the Exodus, why?
Intriguing… Thank you
All the Moons have their hold on me. This lovely poem held me for a spell and I was fearless yet tinged with a healing sorrow felt for the many dear folks that have flown.
I was born on a New Moon. It is always enlightening for me during its waxing.
Be well friend.
Daddy was a farm boy. Harvest moon and fall were his time. Always brings him to mind when they roll around. Thank you for your words