Notes About The Poem

SISTERS THEN (including all my family when Dale was alive; I'm the curly haired one in blue! 1984

AND LATER (around 2007 at the Miller reunion):

and now: With students 2015

With friend from 2010:

With third grandchild 2009

 

 

 

If This Is My Last Poem

If this is my last poem, a masterpiece it will not be, nor a poem of sorrow written deep into the night. No self-recriminations or guilt. That is not me. By nature I’m a sonneteer. My poetry is light. A song of happiness and gratitude I’ll write. As imperfect as I always was and still am to this day, I have a gentle spirit and am kind like many others close to me, who I am glad to say I did not have to look too hard to find - good friends who understand my heart and mind. Yes, good friends I’ve always had; they are my prize for my simply being on this earth, for little do I do to merit their affection. In my eyes, they are roses; from random seeds they grew! Some flourish yet today in my garden of friendship sweet and true. Then there are my sisters, who from my mother’s womb came to share a strange and wondrous childhood with me. I’m lucky, for this fate did not spell doom. Though woes would soon ensue from a blended family, we found great pleasure in a lifestyle of simplicity. Older now, with children, my sisters and I thrive. The memories we made together, like a song, linger, and I’m happy to be alive, knowing that my children too belong with me in spirit, for our bonds are strong. Yes, friends and family, and so much more: a husband who works hard and has been true, the children of my children and the pets that I adore! There are students who have touched my life; they’ve come and gone, but how I hope that in their hearts a piece of me lives on. If this is my last poem, I must conclude with things I got to do! I got to play, see movies, write my poems, eat good food, and read of places that I got to visit far away! Thank you, God, for everything, is all that's left to say. Written Aug. 28, 2015 and now used June 26, 2016 for the Second Place Contest Contest of Laura Loo
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Kimathi Avatar
June 29, 2016 at 8:57 AM
You have very beautiful pictures ( hats off). I like the way your poems connect emotionally in family connections and life. Congrats Andrea, for your top placement in the contest!! ;-)
Flower Avatar
June 28, 2016 at 10:57 AM
Such a good looking lady. Thanks for sharing those stunning pics, Andrea. A nicely penned one, no wonder you still got the big win. ;)
Grasso Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 10:07 PM
I think the soup is jealous of those pictures, Andrea. I have noticed random comments disappearing on some of my poem pages. Maybe it's a space issue.... Been a little hectic here. Hope to get inspired soon!..... Still love this poem, though. ...Fran
Allison Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 6:15 PM
dropping back with my congrats:-) hugs jan xx
Delaney Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 2:28 PM
Congratulations Andrea:Your beautiful and grateful spirit shows in your smile and poetry, love, SuZ
Devnath  Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 10:45 AM
A great congrats on your win with this beautiful heartfelt poem. You are a good daughter of your lovely mother, good grand mother, good sister, good friend and good teacher and a good wife also being a good woman. Do you know why? it's because of your lovely heart. A great 7. Loved always my lovely smiling friend, bl
Scars Avatar
June 27, 2016 at 10:13 AM
Andrea, I fell in love with this completely, so well penned lady...congrats on your placement and thank you for being a part of my contest :)-luloo
Grasso Avatar
June 21, 2016 at 9:55 PM
I like this poem, Andrea. It makes an old man cry. ...Fran
Grasso Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 10:50 PM
Now I wanna see the pictures!!!
Dietrich Avatar
June 22, 2016 at 12:00 AM
thanks, and I cannot believe the pictures went away. WTF???? I don't understand why the pictures disappeared!!!! so glad you enjoyed this
Gibson Avatar
September 15, 2015 at 7:26 PM
I liked reading a little about you, Andrea. I, too, am a happy soul, even though there has been heartache and grief in my life. God is so good to me, has given me so much--most of all His wonderful love and gift of salvation. I came from a family of four girls. I have enjoyed reading your poetry this evening.
Fraser Avatar
September 8, 2015 at 2:16 PM
A joy to read a little bit of you, and your fine poetry Andrea. Belated congratulations on your most deserved win, hugs//James xx
Lindley Avatar
September 6, 2015 at 10:25 AM
"By nature I’m a sonneteer. My poetry is light." Yes and it shows my friend. To me the sonnet is the best poetry form in the world. However, you my friend excel in each form you write in. Which also seems to be a hallmark of most great sonnet writers I am aware of. This gem proves that your talent leaps forms and shines for all to see! A7
Marcum Wong Avatar
September 5, 2015 at 1:51 AM
What a beautiful family you have Andrea. I must fav this heartfelt write that really touched me. You have indeed left pieces of yourself with others who are lucky enough to know you, or read your poetry or be a part of your family or friends. I am glad to call myself one of your friends as you are a real blessing in my life and the most wonderful teacher! Hugs Always...
Walker Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 10:53 PM
I'm so thankful that I was sent to be with you in our family. Love this poem, it brought tears to my eyes. Love you sis.
K. Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 9:52 AM
Aha! Then I was right-- my first guess was that could be you, but then I second guessed myself, thinking that girl looked too serious....I sure am forgetful-- you're the eldest??? Thanks for letting me know, sweetie pie!
A  Avatar
September 1, 2015 at 11:40 PM
WOW, Andrea... you give so much through words and life. No wonder you are a great friend to many of us here, Congratulations on your win.... SKAT
K. Avatar
September 1, 2015 at 9:55 AM
btw, my connections SUCKS!!!! 3XX too, that's what my captcha says-- I can't get through my email, will have to reply to you over there another day. It's a miracle I get to load Soup pages. I better send this, it might go out on me again. grrrrr. Sending you hugs sweetie pie...again very beautiful and heartfelt write, really love this one, I think it's perfect for a would be last poem.
K. Avatar
September 1, 2015 at 9:53 AM
For some reason, reading this gave me a bit of a lump in my throat. I love how you covered so much of your life here, of those that matter most-- one line that truly grabbed me was of how you hoped that a piece of you lived in the harts of your students. I would love that too. You are indeed so blessed, dear sweet friend. Me? I am so blessed to have you for a lifelong friend. I truly am....at the end of the day, we truly thank God., so true. Btw love the pics!! Who are you in the 1st one? <3
Dietrich Avatar
September 2, 2015 at 12:28 AM
Nikko, I am the oldest looking one in the top pic. since I was the oldest child. The dorky one with short hair. My mom kept it chopped off because I swirled it and put tangles in it. Even today ,with longer hair, I can't stop playing with my dang hair!! thanks for asking , sweetie
A. Sharma Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 10:15 PM
Masterful write Andrea! Congrats on ur big win!
La France Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Andrea, congratulations on your wonderful placement with this beautiful write from your lovely soul so happy that I am your friend and thanks for visiting my final poem for the contest ~~
Austin Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 11:11 AM
Yours is the horn of plenty. You have given plenty of love in return. Wonderful to see such a happy bunch with so much misery in the world. Love, daver
Goff Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 2:17 AM
Andrea, what fun to share your spirit and photos with us! Yes, I can see and hear your amazing story, as with all good poetry, I can relate to much of it, there is great beauty in truth, cheers! jimbo
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
August 30, 2015 at 1:58 AM
Andie, lovely poem!!!! big congrats for winning!!!! heartfelt and indeed with a happy tone..!~Olive Eloisa =')
Laurie Avatar
August 29, 2015 at 8:45 PM
G'day Andrea... you have lived and continue to live a fortunate life Andrea. I enjoyed the structure of your poem. - Lindsay
Sergi Avatar
August 29, 2015 at 8:08 PM
Great poem, Andrea! From your poem and family, in retrospect,I hope you doomed to repeat the past.
Adel  Avatar
August 29, 2015 at 7:49 PM
Congrats on your wonderful deep touvhing poem :)
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