Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Poetry Thursday


MUST THERE BE TEARS?

You laid there wasted and pale -
Greedy death waited and watched.

Doors open, close, and open again -
White soled feet come and go.

Halting breath, mottled feet -
Antiseptic air, astringent and sharp

I press my forehead against the wall
seeking comfort and strength where none is to be found.

You lay there unmoving but not alone.
Family and friends arrive

Son and daughter with wife and husband join hands
Insubstantial spirits surround you, welcoming you home.

Parents gone since your youth – Husband of 54 years
I smile with bittersweet relief.

Tears should wet my face
But only weakness settles in my knees

As my breath matches labored breathing, I wonder
Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?

20 comments:

nonizamboni said...

Lovely poem and good question. . .something I'll be ruminating on all day. Thanks for the poignant start to my day, dear Annie.

vicci said...

This is soooo beautiful Annie....
Guess what! Apple Hill time is fastly coming! I can't believe that it opens Labor Day weekend!

Susie said...

This was so very moving Annie. It's especially so as I wait and watch my Grandpa draw closer and closer to leaving this earth..
hugs

Rositta said...

I have to leave a comment today. Four months ago today I buried my Mom. I spent five weeks living in hospital with her and held her in my arms as she died. I cried inside every moment of every day and still cry . Your poem is lovely, I will print it out and keep it with me, thank you...

Anonymous said...

"Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?"

Believe me, it is. I went through that feeling when my dad passed away.

Tammy Brierly said...

Beautiful Annie! I can cry buckets without shedding a tear. HUGS

Anonymous said...

(((((hugs))))

The strength of many pass through the one.

Anonymous said...

Oh, this gave me chills. Heartbreaking and lovely. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Julie said...

Such a touching poem, Annie. Very personal and yet an experience that is shared by all of us on some level.

Regina said...

As my dad's first anniversary approaches, this really made me think of his and our last hours together...
A beautiful poem, Annie... thanks.

Tumblewords: said...

Crying without shedding a tear seems to come with age and loss. Best wishes for your Grandma...

Anonymous said...

I recently experienced these same sentiments that you put so lovingly into words.

Clare said...

Hi Annieelf! Oh, Annie, my eyes and heart are filled with tears while reading your very moving poem. So well done!! And your last line is beyond incredible.
:)

Naturegirl said...

This is very moving Annie..I can relate. hugs NG

Lina said...

This moved me greatly...thank you for sharing it.

Lea said...

Such heart~felt poignant images and such love... peace to your sweet heart and god speed to your dear friend... Much love to you AnnieElf...

Lea said...

And I missed that this was your grandmother... Oh Annielf... all the more poignant... I loved my grandmother's so and miss them everyday... they will always, always be in my heart, she will always be with you...

Bimbimbie said...

oh Annie, I'm welling up, beautiful and powerful *!*

Kim said...

Oh Anne, your poem is so moving and eloquent.
"Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?" - breath taking.

paris parfait said...

Beautiful and bittersweet poem, Annie. So touching. xo