Hard Work

I let up the shade, as the sun has gone down
watching evening come in at the end of the day
It brings with it colors of umber and rust
while earth swallows dusk, which is fading to grey

From the living room window, I am hoping to see 
geese flying back to their warm winter homes
All nature seems normal, routine, once again
whatever normal we can find after rain

Winter is coming and a new year begins
How will it be now, this journey, untried?
As we travel new miles, fresh grief on our sleeves,
with a tremulous smile, and with anguish and pride

Cold days arrive....There is talk on the hill 
where tall pine trees have whispered 
reminding the creek, and the ash trees are shedding
and katydids will not call out condolences in the dark

Soon enough, when the lark sings,  wet grass will need tending
stacks of shutters will need painting,
and snow will yet need to be pushed aside

How will they cope..?
He's not here to do it...but somehow we hope
they will wade their way through it..

But for now , at a kitchen table
for these brief moments, they are able
to laugh, argue, and have fun...
                       Someone shouts out,  "I won!"..

Joy is hard work...but it needs to be done 




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Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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12
Arowolo Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 7:03 PM
Lovely and wonderful piece,Carrie...This is deep...Congrats on your superb win...
Johnson Avatar
October 31, 2014 at 5:53 PM
This poem is an excellent choice as top winner. Congratulations, Carrie
A. Sharma Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Very brilliantly expressions Carrie! Joy is hard work yet needs be done, small moments that we cherish r a constant source of immence happiness! congrats on top place win!
Parker Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 7:36 PM
fine discription of a loving family, both my sons are in their mid thirties and now I have two grand-daughters to spoil and create a world to have fun in...congratulations on your win...joy does take work and paying attention
Haight Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 9:46 AM
Carrie, congratulations to you on your First Place win for your excellent poem. I can feel and identify with the emotions you portrayed through your beautiful words. Sandra
Gasun Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 3:58 AM
Congratulations for a super win and outstanding write my dear friend Carrie! Hugs and cheers! love lots, Leonora
Nair Avatar
October 30, 2014 at 1:05 AM
Carrie, Congrats on this wonderful win in Charlotte's contest. It clearly deserves it. It is such a cool, flowing delight.
Walker  Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 11:51 PM
Congratulations Carrie on your first place win. Rated 7 and enjoyed as well. Sending you a smile, Verlena
Meier-Hans Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 9:23 PM
Congratulations Carrie. This is such a wonderful poem. I can feel the deep emotions in your writing as I remember when we started laughing and basically living again. Your words touched me deeply. +Fav. 7
Yvonne Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 8:42 PM
Congratulations on your first place win with this excellent write.
Allison Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 7:23 PM
Absolutely amazing Carrie I wish all family life could be as happy and harmonious as this:-) hugs Jan xx
Callus Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 7:06 PM
There is nothing that beats happiness in a house, thus turning it into a home. That final line is excellent, but then, so is the rest of this beautiful poem. Congrats on your top placing in Charlotte's contest. // paul
Puddifoot Avatar
October 29, 2014 at 6:02 PM
I had a feeling this one might be yours, carrie, it's hard to mistake that unique lyrical free verse 'voice' that belongs to you! you always excel in poetry that deals with nostalgia and poignancy, and this was another lovely one from you - I loved "...bringing umber and rust/as earth swallows dusk..." - congrats on your 1st place win in my contest :)
Brown Avatar
October 29, 2013 at 5:40 PM
Congrats on your win! I really enjoyed reading! blessings, Stacey
A  Avatar
October 23, 2013 at 1:01 PM
Hi Carrie, :):):) Enjoyed your free verse win.......... Love ~SKAT~
Kendrick Avatar
October 23, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Congrats on your winning work..Way to go!!!Sara
Guzzi Avatar
October 22, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Congrad's on your win free verse is a favorite form of mine. Light & Love
Adams Avatar
October 22, 2013 at 10:13 AM
very well crafted poem Carrie...congrats on your win with this gem :)
Hamilton Avatar
October 22, 2013 at 7:01 AM
excellent Carrie congrats on a fine win Shadow x smile
Anglesey Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 12:46 PM
Wow, such a poignant last line. Thank you for the lovely glimpse into that lively room. Congrats on your win :)
Liwayway Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 11:56 AM
Excellent piece, very creative! big congratulations on your win friend Carrie. Cheers!! hugs
Ryerson Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 9:51 AM
So glad to see happiness and routine entering your household again my friend...LOVE the tone of this with the brief moments of joy cherished in times of grief...Beautifully done and congrats - Tim
Britt Avatar
October 21, 2013 at 9:22 AM
Great Entry! Grats on the first place win! CTB
Bantawa Avatar
October 20, 2013 at 11:08 PM
congrats Carrie on your win.
Johnson Avatar
October 20, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Yes joy does take work but it is there and worth searching for. This is a wonderful poem. I like rhyming poetry but I can read yours without missing the rhyme. Congratulations on a marvelous win. Love, Joyce
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