While I was watching tangled grasses of late summer
toss straw-colored heads in a charming wind...
the season changed
I didn’t notice the fallen apples
in a jumbled pile of sweet bruised beauty
or the smoke-hint chasing the breeze
tainting the innocent blue sky with grey smudges of autumn’s
breath...
I ignored the wild sumac’s scarlet leaves stained the color
of persimmon lips
whispering dryly of summer’s imminent demise...
the flocks of starlings performing arabesques in a barren field
were playing—
not practicing for flights soon south...
the dogwood berries were glowing blue
but I noticed only the foxglove’s second bloom
their richly speckled interiors beckoning the last bumbles
who nuzzled them tenderly...
and when I peered around the evidence was clear to see
the season changed
while I was looking elsewhere
and life changed too
for you were not here
but had jumped upon a black gypsy horse
with fiery wings
galloping to a land away...away from here...
to the place where wild roses grow
their intoxicating fragrance enough
to make a man’s knees buckle
and break a woman’s heart
velvet beauty cloaking the thorns
that pierce guiltless flesh until the blood flows in crimson
ribbons
The season changed
while I was looking elsewhere...
life changed too
ktn © 2011
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I wrote this poem in memory of my Mom who passed away, suddenly and unexpectedly, September 9th. I'm not sure when I'll be up to regular blogging again and visiting all of you, but know I miss you and I hope I will feel up to it soon. Hoping all is well for you...
56 comments:
Talon Dear....
Your poem was beautiful.
Made all the more meaningful with the passing of your Mom.
I'm so sorry.
Take your time, and when are ready your friends will be here anxiously awaiting your return.
Dear Talon - such an amazing poem ... but more importantly a beautiful testament to the love for your mother and her sudden flight away to the peaceful land beyond.
With so many thoughts for you and the family ... take your time, rest a while and we'll be here when you're ready - Hilary
Oh I'm so sorry Talon, I was thinking about you the other day. :(
Beautiful words.
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Lovely words. My sympathy on the loss of your Mum, life has changed for you all. Take care.
Sorry you've had to deal with such a life-changing event. I think it's the worst thing we have to endure. My Mom's been gone 11 years, my Dad 20 years now, so I empathize with that.
The imagery of the Starlings n the black gypsy horse with fiery wings are so unique! It's a gut-wrenching n deep piece when you realize what it's about- but a wonderful read also.
It'll prob take time to feel life is any kind of "normal" again- Whenever n anytime, we're still here, n miss you too!
That is exquisitely beautiful and poignant, my friend.
A wonderful poem and tribute.
I extend my hearfelt and sincerest condolences to you and your family.
None of us could offer any words of comfort and meaning more poignant than those words you wrote. Even in this most difficult time you are able to express explanations the rest of us struggle a lifetime to find. God bless and keep you through one of life's most difficult journeys. We miss you and we always need you.
Oh sweetie I am so sorry, that loss is...I don't have the words, I hug you so tightly...your poem she loves from where she is, and you will see her again xxx
Your sudden loss is eloquently expressed in your poem. We can all learn from "while I was looking elsewhere..." That really says so much to me. Make sure we never miss an opportunity to appreciate the loved ones in our life...
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Talon this is a fitting tribute to your mother. I hope you are comforted, in the knowledge that she sleeps peacefully now among her ancestors who preceded her. It is always the unexpected ones that live within us the longest, be at peace friend.
Talon,
Great verse! Sorry to hear of the untimely demise of your mother. Life must go on.
Hank
Talon, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Mother...and I am thinking of you, my friend across the miles.
[And thank you for sharing...(that.)]
We care (about you.)
Louvregirl
My heart goes out to you, those last lines I can identify with, lost my Mom quit suddenly too, many years ago, but still feels like yesterday sometimes.
((talon))
i am so sorry to hear ofyour mother passing...you write is heart felt and depth felt as i remember losing my wifes mom a few years ago..the season has changed while i was looking the other way...resonates....
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words - that capture so many of my feelings.
I pruned my roses today to allow the hips to form and strengthen the bushes for next year. The rain storm has broken several off...
I know that orphan feeling - it's how I celebrated my 60th birthday.
This poem is a lovely tribute to the memory of your mother.
That one...words fail me.
Certainly a fitting tribute to your sweet mother. May all the white clouds of heaven remind you of fresh sheets drying in the wind.
Talon, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know quite well the pain that comes with such a loss. My parents have been gone for some time, yet I miss them every day. It will take time for your life to return to normal, and that will be a different normal.
You have written a lovely poem in her honor. It is so true that the seasons of life can change without our knowing. Know that we miss you and are thinking of you.
So sorry to hear your news. Such a lovely poem in her memory! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how painful this must be. Your poem is such a beautiful and sad one. Blessings to you and all of your family.
Talon, I'm so sorry to hear this. If there is anything I can do, I'm an email away.
stay blessed,
it is sad to lose your mom. your words are heartfelt.
remain beautiful, peace and love.
thanks for sharing, I believe that after you write your sadness out, you get a relief somehow.
Ahhh...
cast off
the toil of life
see what is
So good to see you've returned, K, and with such a poignant poem!
__We must see other things, and is it not interesting that -toil- and -toll- are spelled so closely, to say nothing of the -tool- we use to imagine?
__Another weird note, from your weird friend. _m
Dear Talon,
I am so sorry about the passing away of your mother. May she rest in peace.
Your poem is a wonderful tribute to her.
All the best to you and your family...
Dearest Talon, hugs and love to you. So so sorry about your mom. She will be waiting in the garden for you all.
Your poem is beautiful, like you.
Prayers and peace.
xoxoxo
Oh my, the photo of the mourning dove is so beautiful. I like everything about it. I hope to be able to take as good a photo as this one day. You give me a goal. For that I thank you.
The season changed and it is so refreshing. I have a short sleeve shirt on and was outside this morning in thirty-nine degree weather and it was a bit cool but I did my chores out there and had a huge smile while out there. Of course, the sun was out so it did not "mentally" feel cold.
beautiful and.. very talonted!
Am deeply saddened for your loss Talon..your words were mesmerizing, powerful and very beautiful. I pray for strength for you for helping in coping up with this sudden tragedy..
What a beautiful tribute to your mother.
Such a beautiful poem, the black gypsy horse...I hope that's what's waiting when it's my time to ride. So sorry for what you're dealing with, it's a part of life that we all have to face but that doesn't make it any easier. Best to you and your family.
This brought tears to my eyes, Talon. I have missed your writing and have been away myself for a little bit. It's so great to be able to read your heartfelt words again. May we all be so lucky as to gallop away to the place where wild roses grow....
Sending you love and light as you heal during this time of blessed impermanence. xo
Talon,
I am so sorry about your mom. It doesn't matter what age your at; losing a parent is always devastating. Take the time you need. Grieving is so important. Cry when you want to, even if you're standing in a crowd of people. It's your body's way of healing.
Then again, you have another way of healing yourself and it's reflected in this beautiful poem.
My thoughts with you and your family.
All that you share touches me deeply..you summoned loss, and as I was feeling it I read your words about your Mom..
May the beauty that you share here wrap around you and provide abundant comfort, peace, and glimpses of magic..
Miss you, Talon.
lg...
and (hug)(hug.)
http://promisingpoetsparkinglot.blogspot.com/2011/10/poets-rally-participants-talent-show.html
stay strong, you will pass.
Happy Birthday Ahead.
Thanks for your invaluable contribution to our community.
How are you doing sweetie, know that i pray and drop in every day ...take care ok honey...
Talon
I dont know why I wait so long in between visiting your site...i love this site and its soothing on the spirit and soul....zman sends
Talon
Their a great song by David Sandborne..its all instrumental its called Try a little Tenderness..it fits your blog perfectly. I know i know the song is not new...give it a listen though....zman sends
Talon
I am so very sorry to read about the passing of your mom. Like Gman said take your time ..I will be here when you get back...
Its not goodbye its just Love
Sorry it's taken me so long to visit and offer my very deepest condolences, ktn. Thinking of you and sending hugs.
What was it someone said - life is what happens to you when you are making other plans. It is a beautiful poem for a sad but oh so true topic. Many thoughts.
oh, Talon.
I am so so very sorry.
Please know that I have been thinking of you..
And this,
just so hard.
sending love.
( i've been away from the blog world , sitting vigil with my mom , late stage lung cancer, alzheimer's. )
I watch my blog reader in hopes of seeing your name alight with a new post. It has only been a little over a month since you lost your mom and I know that is too soon to be looking for you, but you are so missed by so many. I hope and pray that you are getting along okay and getting over each hurdle one day at a time. With love.
Missing you today, Talon (Dear one...)I hope that you are doing well. :-)
lg
I am so sorry about your mom. My prayers are with you.
excellent
Talon, so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom.
May her memory always be a blessing!
Your poem is truly beautiful!
Margie xx
Talon, I came back to read your poem once again and it brought tears to my eyes!
I too lost my mom very suddenly and it was such a shock to me!
But I feel her presence with me every day and I treasure her memory!
I hope you are surrounded by love from your family and friends and hope you come back to blogging soon!
You are very missed!
Hugs
Margie
I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. I hope you're finding the peace you need. I also hope you're not freezing...yet. I hear the weather is getting COLD.
I like to think you're out there taking lots of pictures and your pen while sad still write the words your soul needs to hear.
Miss you.
Thinking of you Talon. You are still in my prayers.
Talon, just wanted to let you know you are in my good thoughts and hope you are doing well (as well as can be expected.)
Winter has arrived here but it' s beautiful sunny day here.
Thanksgiving is here next Thursday and I have so much to be grateful for this year as my daughter and her husband are expecting their first baby on Jan. 26th of next year and I can't wait to be a grandma, oh the joy of it all!
It's a girl!!!
Hugs to you ...
Margie :)
thinking of you .
sending hope and peace and thoughts of life's bittersweet.
Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. I hope your heart is beginning to heal. You are missed!
Hi Talon .. I too think of you and continue to do so .. with many peaceful wishes - Hilary
Thank you, everyone, for your kind thoughts and thought-filled words. You have no idea what it means to me. Thank you.
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