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Christmas Mourning

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This is a poem for the future - My dad has terminal cancer and I know he won't be with us at Christmas in 2015

Contest: Past, Present and Future
Sponsor: Kelly Deschler

poem re named Christmas Mourning for contest - its original Title was Empty Chair 2015

This year we will remember Happier times in past months of December This year we will certainly see A massive void where you used to be This year we will sit and stare At that forlorn and empty chair This year we will sit and reminisce You are not here for us to hug and kiss This year we will definitely see No gift for you under the Christmas tree This year we will shed a tear For dad as you are no longer here This year we will raise a toast To our dad who we loved the most This year will be so difficult for us all It was the year the Lord did my father call Poem re titled for:- Contest: CHRISTMAS MOURNING CONTEST Sponsor: PS AWTRY 01~07~15

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Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 4/10/2017 7:34:00 PM

A most sad and divine debut poem, Jan. I went back to the beginning of your poetic archives. This poem is breathtaking and tear making. A beautiful testimonial tribute to your father. A very heart stirring poem. I am sorry for your loss. Love always.

Jan Allison
Date: 4/11/2017 3:51:00 PM

I had this poem read at an event held by hospice as they were incredible during dad's final year - i think many can relate to these lines:-( hugs Jan xx

Paul Schneiter

Date: 1/15/2016 10:07:00 PM

Jan, this is deeply affecting. My reading glasses were wet by the time I got to the last line. The empty chair is an inspired conceit. Standing applause.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/16/2016 3:02:00 AM

I wrote this before dad died Paul we knew that Christmas 2014 would be his last. I guess it is a poem many people can relate too. :-( hugs Jan xx

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 7/27/2015 10:06:00 PM

Jan, congrats on your best poem. Love LINDA

Jan Allison
Date: 7/28/2015 4:19:00 AM

Thanks Linda:-) hugs jan xx

Wilma Neels

Date: 7/27/2015 11:11:00 AM

A beautiful and heartfelt gem Jan. Congratulations on your well deserved win ;) hugs Wilma

Jan Allison
Date: 7/27/2015 11:44:00 AM

Thanks so much Wilma:-) hugs Jan xx

Tim Ryerson

Date: 7/26/2015 4:07:00 AM

I remember this melancholy gem well Jan...Congratulations are DEFINITELY in order - Tim

Jan Allison
Date: 7/26/2015 6:00:00 AM

Thanks Tim I guess it hits home with many people:-( hugs Jan xx

Robert Stoner Jr

Date: 7/25/2015 3:23:00 PM

A remembered top offering again Jan. Congratulations once again on this heartfelt poem.

Jan Allison
Date: 7/25/2015 3:26:00 PM

Thanks for dropping by Robert I do appreciate your support:-) hugs Jan xx

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/24/2015 10:35:00 PM

you are right, Jan, this WAS one of your best. And a well deserved win this is. Soupmail.

Jan Allison
Date: 7/25/2015 3:26:00 AM

Thanks Andrea - I think my fave poem is now the one I wrote for Casarah's contest - the lowest of the low - have had so much positive feedback it has been awesome:-) hugs jan xx

Kp Nunez

Date: 7/24/2015 8:35:00 PM

Had to stop several times, Jan. This resonates with me. It's good that you were able to be with him, take care of him and honor him this way. An awesome and deserved win for this. Congratulations! hugs!

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 8:36:00 PM

Thanks Kim:-) hugs jan xx

Emilia Lasarus

Date: 7/24/2015 7:54:00 PM

Jan, I feel the huge love for your dad... Congrats on your win.... ~Emilia

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 8:18:00 PM

Thanks Emilia:-) hugs Jan xx

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 7/24/2015 7:43:00 PM

So very sad & loving, Congrad's on your win. Light & Love

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 8:17:00 PM

Thanks so much for your comment Debbie I do appreciate your support:-) hugs Jan xx

Skat A

Date: 7/24/2015 4:32:00 PM

sweet win. SK

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 4:37:00 PM

Thanks Skat:-) hugs Jan xx

Eve Roper

Date: 7/24/2015 4:23:00 PM

So wonderfully written in memory of your dad. Congratulations on your win a 7. Hugs Eve

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 4:25:00 PM

Thanks Eve it is a very special poem to me:-) hugs jan xx

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 7/24/2015 3:42:00 PM

That is a beutiful story Jan:Just shows how much your Dad loved you. Thanks for sharing that emotional moment...it bought me tears. Hugs, SuZ

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 3:47:00 PM

Thanks Suzanna:-) It also was a very unselfish act from my husband and son too - they insisted I was with the family and not with them for Christmas day although they did come to the hospice to collect me and see dad - hugs Jan xx I actually cooked Christmas dinner on boxing day and mum and my sister came and we celebrated then:-)

Suzanne Delaney

Date: 7/24/2015 3:10:00 PM

Congratulations Jan: Words that come directly from your heart, SuZ

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 3:16:00 PM

I wrote this the month before dad died knowing that it was going to be our final 'family' Christmas my hubby organised for me to eat my dinner at hospice - they had originally said just for 2 people to have the meal I said for my mum and sister to eat with dad and that I could just be with them and eat at home later - dad opted to eat his meal in the dining room and not in his bedroom when we got in the room they had laid a place for me too - was a very emotional time:-( hugs Jan xx

Jan Terry

Date: 7/24/2015 12:21:00 PM

Jan, what a poignant write. Congratulations on your win. Reading your poem caused me to cry with you. Almost everyone can relate to this. It's hard dealing with that empty feeling but, knowing that our loved one is in God's care helps us over those difficult hurdles. Still, we miss them. Hugs to you, dear poet friend. Janece

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 12:50:00 PM

Thanks Janece - it is a poem many can relate to:-( Hugs Jan xx

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 7/24/2015 10:07:00 AM

I shed tears as I read this Jan so hauntingly beautiful congrats on 1st place hugs

Jan Allison
Date: 7/24/2015 12:49:00 PM

Oh thanks so much Shadow - it is a very special poem to me:-) Hugs jan xx

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 1/15/2015 11:52:00 PM

You are welcome Jan... :) PD

Jan Allison
Date: 1/16/2015 2:33:00 AM

:-) xx Jan xx

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 1/11/2015 10:02:00 PM

Jan,, Congratulations on your Christmas Daze win, Love ~LINDA~

Jan Allison
Date: 1/12/2015 1:07:00 AM

Thanks Linda:-) Hugs Jan x

Nette Onclaud

Date: 1/11/2015 1:06:00 PM

moving me to near tears.. keep the faith and cheers to your POTD win, jan.. so poignantly scribed!

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2015 1:08:00 PM

Thanks Nette I wasn't going to enter Kelly's contest then this 'simple' poem came to me - I am so so glad I got inspired I found it very therapeutic to write and am sure it will help me when Christmas does come round again:-) Hugs Jan xx

Tim Ryerson

Date: 1/10/2015 3:03:00 PM

Allow me to raise a toast as well: To your dad, you, your family AND this poem my friend...Yes Christmas can be a joyful time but also a sad time for so many of us who have lost those near and dear...LOVE the effect you created by starting each couplet with 'This year'...BIG congrats - Tim

Jan Allison
Date: 1/11/2015 8:58:00 AM

Thanks Tim I have never really shared my poetry with my parents - it was something that came about after my husband was recovering from cancer surgery - mum isn't aware of his illness - are too kind in your praise I just write as a way of expressing my emotions and also hopefully with some poems to make people smile - never penned a poem before Nov 2013 now I cant stop! :-) Hugs jan xx

Tim Ryerson
Date: 1/10/2015 3:43:00 PM

Wonderful Jan! I did not pay proper attention to the title...Cancer has taken it's toll on my family as well so I can identify...My prayers are with you all of course...Your dad raised a wonderful and VERY talented daughter...

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2015 3:05:00 PM

I am simply fast forwarding 11 months Tim - we still have dad but know that Christmas 2014 will be his last as he has terminal cancer - it was very therapeutic to write and I feel I will cope better as a result:-) Hugs Jan xxx

Robert Stoner Jr

Date: 1/10/2015 1:09:00 PM

congratulations Jan on your win ,now that's what I'm talkin about consistency of value and you have it in spades.

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2015 2:18:00 PM

Believe me Robert I get more than my fair share of N/A's lol hugs Jan xxx

Paul Callus

Date: 1/10/2015 9:30:00 AM

Hi Jan...back again to offer you lovely congratulations on your top placing; well done and hugs. // paul

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2015 2:18:00 PM

Thanks Paul I was delighted with my win for my simple yet effective poem:-) Hugs jan xx

Kayod5 Kayode

Date: 1/10/2015 2:21:00 AM

A sad fact,well crafted;congrats on the win Jan...huggs

Jan Allison
Date: 1/10/2015 4:10:00 AM

Thanks so much for dropping by Kayod5:-) Hugs Jan xxx

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 1/9/2015 7:52:00 PM

Sad but so true, at a certain point we all begin to lose those dear to us. Congrad's on your win. Light & Love

Jan Allison
Date: 1/9/2015 8:22:00 PM

Thanks Debbie guess its just something I am going to have to deal with in 10 months time - it was very therapeutic writing it - hopefully it will help me deal with the situation when it arrives:-) hugs jan xx

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 1/9/2015 7:14:00 PM

I am so happy. Jan was looking for confirmation that all would be well. In his almighty wisdom he sent you a sign. Sat you down and guided your talented hand. Then he bestowed you gifts. This the one that shines brighter than any star in the sky. Congratulations on your first place win. With all my love, Armand!

Jan Allison
Date: 1/9/2015 7:29:00 PM

Your words fill my heart with a golden glow Armand - thank you :-) love you too you are a very dear friend to me:-) hugs Jan xxx