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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

Date: 11/17/2021 12:23:00 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

Date: 3/30/2021 2:21:00 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

Date: 1/16/2021 10:47:00 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
Date: 1/18/2021 1:19:00 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

Date: 1/8/2021 10:31:00 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

Date: 1/5/2021 6:55:00 PM

A heartbreaking read Michelle, congrats on another win!

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 9/24/2020 3:24:00 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

Date: 9/23/2020 10:45:00 AM

well done

Elaine George

Date: 9/22/2020 11:09:00 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

Date: 9/22/2020 7:39:00 AM

Beautifully crafted

James Inman

Date: 9/22/2020 6:47:00 AM

A beautiful poem filled with sentiment and positivity. Best wishes to both of you, Michelle.

John Watt

Date: 9/17/2020 9:23:00 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
Date: 9/17/2020 11:27:00 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

Date: 9/13/2020 6:08:00 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

Date: 9/4/2020 6:57:00 AM

Congratulations on this very fine gem being chosen as POTW! God bless... A fav, a pleasure to read such exceptional poetry...

Kenisha Shines

Date: 9/3/2020 9:37:00 AM

very well penned and I hope everything is fine .Strength and love to u.congrats on your POTW!

John Hamilton

Date: 9/2/2020 8:48:00 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

Date: 9/2/2020 12:53:00 AM

Your poem is touching and brings a nostalgic flavour Michelle. Congratulations on POTW. Much love :)

Constance La France

Date: 9/1/2020 4:49:00 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 The Insolent Rib

Date: 9/1/2020 5:45:00 AM

congratulations on topping the charts lovely! mo hugs <3

John Watt
Date: 9/1/2020 4:22:00 PM

I second that, Mo. Just saw this at the top of Best New Poems. Congrats, Michelle!

John Watt

Date: 8/31/2020 3:24:00 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

Date: 8/31/2020 12:47:00 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

Date: 8/31/2020 4:24:00 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

Date: 8/30/2020 9:08:00 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

Date: 8/30/2020 10:47:00 AM

Michelle, congratulations on POTW with your heartfelt poem, it's always difficult when our loved ones are ill.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/30/2020 9:30:00 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

Date: 8/30/2020 7:33:00 AM

oh Michelle I have a HUGE smile for you my friend, so so so delighted on your POTW success:-) hugs Jan xx