Paulette Calasibetta Poet Pantoum

Notes About The Poem

 

Written in memory of my Mother: Unsteady from Parkinson's Disease, pushing herself,always ready to face any challenge.  It was my birthday, she sang in her melodic soprano voice, as she always had done. Unfortunately, in the evening, she thought she could walk unaided, which became her last step.

 

 

 

 

A Swan Song

The last time my Mother sang to me
                    With delicate high notes, powerful and sweet,
                  Pushing through tremors with courage and pride;
                        How could I know, it was her swan song?

                    With delicate high notes, powerful and sweet,
                     Remembering each verse, she had rehearsed;
                       How could I know it was her swan song?
                    Putting challenges aside, she wanted to shine.

                    Remembering each verse she had rehearsed.
                  Pushing through tremors with courage and pride,
                     Putting challenges aside, she wanted to shine;
             Where recollections of days long past, reflected in her eyes.

                   Pushing through tremors with courage and pride;
                     Her fragile fingers clasped in reverent prayer,
             Where recollections of days long past, reflected in her eyes,
                         The last time my Mother sang to me.

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Donna Roberts November 17, 2021 at 8:19 PM OMG I LOVE IT I have been taking care care of Alzheimer's patients in a assisted living the last 14 months of this pandemic. I need a break soon God Bless Paulette Calasibetta November 18, 2021 at 7:53 AM Dear Donna, Thank you for stopping by and commenting on Swan Song. I give you a lot of credit working at a care facility~Take care of yourself. Blessings, Paulette

Valsa George November 16, 2021 at 5:02 AM So very moving ! The tone of sadness is gripping ! A mother is a link connecting us to the world. Through day and night we are sheltered in her warth.... ! You have recorded her swan song in your mind that it keeps being replayed now and then. A wonderful tribute to your mother, Paulette ! Paulette Calasibetta November 16, 2021 at 11:40 AM Dear Valsa, yes, I hear in every aria I listen to. Thank you for your kind comments. Blessings, Paulette

Anitha Jayasankar November 11, 2021 at 12:45 AM Awesome, so sad and touching dear Paulette...and you chose to write this in Pantoum as a tribute to your beloved mom..."where recollections of days long past reflected in her eyes"...so moving...Hugs...~ Ani Paulette Calasibetta November 12, 2021 at 4:07 PM Thank you so much Anitha, when we write tributes we hope they truly express~glad I was able to convey that in my Pantoum. Blessings, Paulette

Judy Ball November 4, 2021 at 3:39 PM Oh what a touching piece this is. It brought tears to my eyes. Bravo my friend. Keep this one with your mementos of her. God Bless, JB Paulette Calasibetta November 5, 2021 at 5:30 PM Thank you Judy, I can hear her in every aria I listen to. Blessings, Paulette

D.W. Rodgers November 4, 2021 at 10:58 AM Wow a powerful and well composed pantoum honouring your mother. It is such a shame that these diseases (My mother has Alzheimer's) take away so much of our final years. Paulette Calasibetta November 4, 2021 at 2:21 PM Hi D.W. Thank you for stopping by my page and commenting on my poem 'Swan Song'. Sorry to hear about your Mother. I know how difficult Alzheimer's is too; my father-in-law was afflicted with it~very sad to watch the decline of a person you love. Blessings, Paulette

Marikate Kingston November 3, 2021 at 7:13 PM This poem was so moving and important. One of my favorite lines read "Her fragile fingers clasped in reverent prayer" I saw those hands at mass and in my home for years. Tears after reading. I wrote a similar poem. Yours is especially beautiful. Paulette Calasibetta November 4, 2021 at 2:24 PM Marikate, You express such empathy. Truly you understand the heart of my poem. Glad you liked it and I will see if I can find your poem, that touches on the same emotional topic. Blessings, Paulette

Joseph P. DiMino October 27, 2021 at 6:14 AM Sounds like you were blessed with a wonderful soprano for a Mom. And what Italian does not sing! It is our soul, says, a minor tenor. Our voices, when sincerely spoken -- sung -- are true windows to our souls...not just how we feel on the subconscious level, but a profound example spotlighting the nature and beauty of God's spirit within us, thriving and ever beautiful. That Mother's spirit is immortal...as is your love for her, forever joined -- never to be parted. Lovely, sensitive writing. Paulette Calasibetta October 27, 2021 at 8:07 AM Joe, you are so generous with your comments which reflect the warm gentle kindness of your soul~and yes, Italians are filled with song, it is part of their DNA...LOL! Have a wonderful day, my friend. Blessings, Paulette

John Watt October 26, 2021 at 2:05 PM Paulette, this is an achingly beautiful and bittersweet love poem to your dear Mother and a memory that you undoubtedly cherish. How precious that she would prepare and present you with the gift of a song that would prove to be your lasting memory of her final time with you. Excellently stated in the challenging pantoum form. I love this for too many reasons to describe here, but I am saving this in my faves, and thanking you for sharing this gem. Blessings ~ John Paulette Calasibetta October 26, 2021 at 2:09 PM John, you warm my heart with your kind and understanding words~Thank You! Blessings, Paulette

Mike Bayles October 26, 2021 at 12:24 PM Paulette, I really enjoyed how you did your pantoum. I absolutely love the third stanza. And yes, music creates strong memories. Paulette Calasibetta October 26, 2021 at 1:11 PM Thank you Mike. Glad you enjoyed my pantoum, music seems to be indelible. Every time I listen to an aria, I can feel my mother's presence. Blessings, Paulette

Michelle Faulkner October 25, 2021 at 4:33 PM A touching tribute to your mother, I can feel the love you have for her, and she for you, I hope your memories of her can give you comfort~ Paulette Calasibetta October 25, 2021 at 4:38 PM Thank you Michelle, yes indeed I console myself listening to Arias, she so beautifully sang. Blessings, Paulette

Rico Leffanta October 25, 2021 at 12:03 PM It has been 71-years since I heard my mother sing, "No Other Love" (From the Broadway musical, "Me and Juliet"), but the memory is as crisp as can be (I still listen to Jo Stafford's recording)! I hope you can enjoy your memory that long! Paulette Calasibetta October 25, 2021 at 2:45 PM Rico, Thank you so much for stopping by to read my poem....I know you understand from your heartwarming comments about your mom. Blessings, Paulette