Carolyn Devonshire Poet Quintain (English)

Empty Chairs

When Grandfather passed,
his place at the table was still set.
At first our family was aghast,
but a widow’s devotional duty had been met
and for us, that was as good as it could get.

Then it was Mom who left us in her youth -
another empty chair.
To tell the truth,
it felt like she was there,
joining us in the pre-dinner prayer.

This tradition seems strange,
but we kept it going for loved ones old and young.
Now an empty table I arrange,
as to tradition’s memories I’ve clung.
It won’t end till my final dinner bell’s rung.



*Entry for the “Traditions” contest
Written December 2, 2011

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Black Eyed Susan June 14, 2012 at 7:17 AM I think it's sweet that you set places for people who are gone - gone, but not forgotten. I see you won with this. congratulations :)

Audrey Haick December 20, 2011 at 6:54 PM This is a another beautiful tradition, Carolyn... Their spirits are there at Christmas as always..Congratulations on your win! Much love, Annalise

Andrea Dietrich December 20, 2011 at 5:21 PM It's sad to think of the increasing number of the empty chairs. Better to think of the happiness on the other side when you greet them. Very good poem, Carolyn. Congratulations on your well deserved win.

David Williams December 19, 2011 at 3:03 PM Carolyn congrats on your win, a fine tradition..David

Joyce Johnson December 19, 2011 at 2:02 PM Too many empty chairs at my table to save them but they are filled with loving folks just like them. Congratulations Carolyn on a lovely poem and win. Love, Joyce

Carol Sunshine Brown December 19, 2011 at 1:26 PM Congratulations on your win in Paula's "Traditions" contest Carolyn. Love, Carol

Jack Horne December 9, 2011 at 2:44 PM What a lovely tradition. I think this is just beautiful. A surefire winner

Carrie Richards December 4, 2011 at 3:49 PM Actually, this is such a lovely tradition. It seems to honor those who have are no longer with us. A very thoughtful tradition! Nicely written, Carolyn. (ps...your comment on my haiku, made me stop and think about that 'horror movie'...decided to change the title of my poem. I'm glad you mentioned it, I wouldn't have thought of that! :)

Joe Maverick December 3, 2011 at 12:48 AM Yes Carolyn there is more to existence than death... i send you my warmest thoughts and to say the book is in my bed head cuboard..! so it dosen't get damaged:)

Kabuteng P.Ink K. December 2, 2011 at 11:06 PM I could relate to this, Carolyn-- when my brother passed away, we also leave an empty place for him.... I really like this touching piece--- yes, the memories of our loved ones stay with us far beyond the grave... :) hugs

Margaret Foster December 2, 2011 at 9:38 PM Empty chairs full of beautiful memories. a lovely verse Carolyn. good luck...Margaret

Joe Flach December 2, 2011 at 7:45 PM Beautiful, Carolyn. Each of us carries a few empty chairs in our hearts and in our own way will keep the tradition going beyond any and all dinner bells. Good luck in the contest. Joe

Elizabeth Wesley December 2, 2011 at 7:14 PM Seems like a natural thing to do at this time of year, remembering loved ones who have left in the special way we needed to help recover from the loss. This is so special Carolyn.

Russell Sivey December 2, 2011 at 6:54 PM I understand what you mean completely. The first year after my grandfathers death grandma kept his lounge chair empty and his slippers at the foot of the chair. Nobody say there all season. Later she had the chair removed and a simple chair put in it's place. But I'll never forget that year when grandma left that chair there empty all year long. That's how she slowly recovered from her loss. Awesome write Carolyn! Thanks for reminding me of that special year! Awesome Work!!

Joyce Johnson December 2, 2011 at 6:33 PM We do miss them at this time of year especially. Lovely poem, Carolyn. Love, Joyce