Michelle Faulkner Poet Free verse

Green Anniversaries

This is not a time for us
Facing these weeks of hospital walls
My knight now jousts an invisible foe
Shorn of hair, yet still he wears
Tubes of pain as proud as armor
With blood too pale, future too frail
No anniversary in candlelight
This year is measured in pills and applesauce
Doctor visits replacing road trips
To the salty sea beach, where he proposed
With a ring of delicate gold
All those years melting in florescent folds
Of bleached sheets and disposable gowns
Yet, every tide of fever, every ocean of nausea
Is one more wobbly step towards a tomorrow
Of recovered roses and kaleidoscope kisses
Where I believe, past this horizon's thin eve
In lush trees, green with anniversaries.

8/24/20

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John Watt November 17, 2021 at 12:23 PM Came back to an old favorite... cancer has done its share of devastation in my family tree, not to mention the hours of doctor visits and preventive maintenance to try to stave off future encounters. Remembering the last year of my dad's life... 'this year is measured in pills and applesauce'. How crucial it is to cling to hope, looking 'past this horizon's thin eve'. Your writing is so genuine, human, and real; your words give voice to the inexpressible. Thank you.

Ann Peck March 30, 2021 at 2:21 PM Yes, hospital rooms, doctor offices, finally staring at nothing. A beautiful poem. I hope you both share many anniversaries--the right ones.

Line Gauthier January 16, 2021 at 10:47 AM This is a particularly touching poem that resonates with me having lost my husband two months ago today ~ we had our share of hospital visits. I can say we treasured every moment we got to spend together. Glad to see this most touching poem in the 2020 PS Anthology. Michelle Faulkner January 18, 2021 at 1:19 PM Thank you so much, Line, yes my husband has been recuperating from cancer this past year - I am so very sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how painful it must be~

Paula Goldsmith January 8, 2021 at 10:31 AM Congratulation on your win. Sad yet beautiful. I hope you are doing great and 2021 will be wonderful for you with many more anniversaries. Enjoy your win and day with blessings..................

John Hamilton January 5, 2021 at 6:55 PM A heartbreaking read Michelle, congrats on another win!

Darlene De Beaulieu September 24, 2020 at 3:24 PM Hello Michelle Faulkner, this has not been a good year for anyone. Lets hope that 2021 will be a better year. Enjoy your evening my friend.

Sierra Chen September 23, 2020 at 10:45 AM well done

Elaine George September 22, 2020 at 11:09 AM To be able to relive the beauty of a life and love well lived through precious memories during difficult times and on and on, is truly a blessing. This is truly a poem so deserving of poem of the day, the month, the year, and on and on. ~ Elaine

David Walker September 22, 2020 at 7:39 AM Beautifully crafted

James Inman September 22, 2020 at 6:47 AM A beautiful poem filled with sentiment and positivity. Best wishes to both of you, Michelle.

John Watt September 17, 2020 at 9:23 AM Hi friend, I thought this the perfect day to revisit this jewel and wish you all the best as your knight continues to joust the invisible foe. I hope you are able to find a way to celebrate as he recovers. As for me, I celebrate this poem's POTW honor even as it still sits atop the Best New Poems list. I celebrate our wonderful poetry friendship and your remarkable artistry. I hope that your journey to "a tomorrow of recovered roses and kaleidoscope kisses" is lined with hope and victory. ~ John Michelle Faulkner September 17, 2020 at 11:27 AM Yes, today is our 15th anniversary, sadly we are unable to go anywhere, but we are having cake and ice cream tonight! It is so kind of you to remember - at the moment, he is still in pain and having trouble walking, but his appetite is improving, so that's a good sign!

Quoth Theraven September 13, 2020 at 6:08 PM Michelle, From delicate band to strong bond your poem wields a message of true love. Many have heard wedding words exchanged in front of families and friends. Some didn't last, or did so only while times were good. But what of the other times. Your poem is the very definition of a vow. -Richard

Robert Lindley September 4, 2020 at 6:57 AM Congratulations on this very fine gem being chosen as POTW! God bless... A fav, a pleasure to read such exceptional poetry...

Kenisha Shines September 3, 2020 at 9:37 AM very well penned and I hope everything is fine .Strength and love to u.congrats on your POTW!

John Hamilton September 2, 2020 at 8:48 AM This is a magnificent write Michelle, I'm saddened remembering all you and hubby have gone through this year. A tragic year topped off with a debilitating illness! I'm amazed by the hope and surety you write about, indeed greener anniversaries are on the horizon! Also congrats on a very deserved POTW!

Aditi Mishra September 2, 2020 at 12:53 AM Your poem is touching and brings a nostalgic flavour Michelle. Congratulations on POTW. Much love :)

Constance La France September 1, 2020 at 4:49 PM Michelle, what an emotional poem and congratulations on having it selected as Poem of the Week, enjoy the honor, a FAV for me _Constance

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart September 1, 2020 at 5:45 AM congratulations on topping the charts lovely! mo hugs <3 John Watt September 1, 2020 at 4:22 PM I second that, Mo. Just saw this at the top of Best New Poems. Congrats, Michelle!

John Watt August 31, 2020 at 3:24 PM A thoroughly deserving POTW, my friend. These words flow through the arteries and veins into the very heart of the reader. You know we are all pulling for your husband and you as you valiantly battle this common enemy. Congratulations and much cautious optimism. Virtual hugs ~ John

Tom Cunningham August 31, 2020 at 12:47 PM Nice to see this at the top of the best poem of the month list Michelle. Hope you're both doing ok. Tom

Rama Balasubramanian August 31, 2020 at 4:24 AM This is a favourite for me. Your positive attitude is really inspiring. I don't know what your husbands ailment is but in case it's cancer I know one remedy for it - laughter. I know of two cases where by not worrying and laughing as much as possible through comedy movies, serials etc cancer was cured. Another remedy heard but not tested is zero sugar diet. Take care. Warm regards Rama

Brandy Nicole August 30, 2020 at 9:08 PM My heart is heavy after reading these words from your heart. Your positive outlook is so uplifting. I wish I could help in some way. You are strong and doing the best you can, for the one you love. I am sending you many hugs along the wind. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Congratulations Michelle, on Poem of the Week. Hugs, Brandy

Tania Kitchin August 30, 2020 at 10:47 AM Michelle, congratulations on POTW with your heartfelt poem, it's always difficult when our loved ones are ill.

Sam Kauffman August 30, 2020 at 9:30 AM Sending you all positive thoughts for a full recovery and congratulations on your marvelous POTW as both of you wobble towards tomorrow in your battle with this disease. Prayers and hugs.

Jan Allison August 30, 2020 at 7:33 AM oh Michelle I have a HUGE smile for you my friend, so so so delighted on your POTW success:-) hugs Jan xx

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