Sandra Haight Poet Free verse

A Tribute To Carolyn's Poetry

Searing Pain Reemerges
                  -by Carolyn Devonshire


searing pain reemerges
each time I pass the hospital
     creeping up to burn my eyes
          subsiding with time, but never forgotten

when the doctor gave his prognosis
all Dad’s children were there
     blades of hopelessness hit my heart
          cutting it into pieces

instructions came in his living will
we did as he requested
     wishing I could take this last journey with him
          but knowing he would want us to thrive  

my hand on his, I bowed my head
the puddle beneath me grew with each tear
     another loving memory
          another agonizing drop

many minutes seemed to pass
after machines were disconnected
     too many minutes
          too many memories

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Carolyn's poem about losing her dear Dad
brought tears to my eyes- remembering
how a doctor told me and my younger brother-
as sharp "blades of hopelessness hit my heart"-
there was no resolve- he would soon be gone.
Carolyn's words echo my feelings that day
when I too said goodbye- and how my life
changed without his presence and love and,
like her, my "searing pain reemerges" to
stab my heart each time I'd pass that place-
the hospital where I said my final goodbye.
She vividly brought to life deep emotions
with her skill in imaging this lasting pain
with her well-chosen, heartfelt, poetic, words,
of her own sadness- losing her beloved Dad.

Below is a final stanza from a poem I wrote,
entitled, "Threnody For My Father" that shows 
my connection with Carolyn's sad poem.

"I stand here in the shadow of death's sting.
Oh, Dad, I feel your pulsing spirit hand.
Come lead me to a green and hopeful spring
as it was- when you walked this earthen land."


August 24, 2021

Contest: Celebrating Carolyn's Poetry: An Uncontest Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Andrea Dietrich

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Brian Strand September 21, 2021 at 1:32 AM Yes Sandra,a many sided lady,as these poems reveal

Andrea Dietrich September 19, 2021 at 10:22 AM wow, your choice and what it means to you is very special, Sandra. I love how your own little verse speaks so eloquently to the topic of death as does Carolyn's own poetry. Beautiful and poignant. You chose very well. At last my list is posted and I believe, surprisingly, no one poem listed is the same!! Sandra Haight September 25, 2021 at 5:01 PM Andrea, I am pleased that you found my tribute to Carolyn's poem eloquent and supportive of her and how I identified with her emotions which mirrored mine in the death of our fathers. Your contest, celebrating Carolyn's poetry, was such a wonderful way to pay tribute to her in this special way. Hugs, Sandra