Last Sigh

A wooden flute,
              I glimpsed among my mother’s treasured keepsakes in childhood. 
                               being curious, asked her once…
                            I didn’t notice anyone playing the flute! 
       Why it seemed the most precious than everything else she cherished! 

              Hers was the saddest smile when she told me about her brother, 
                              who played the flute when she sang,  
                      passing away from tuberculosis, in his twenties ..

                       the implacable separation from her most loved one..
                          the two efflorescent roses on the same branch… 
                    one fell and perished, when it could have blossomed and 
                               charmed the earth with its fragrance! 

                                  When my mother passed away, 
                                  she asked me to bring the flute, 
             couldn’t believe my eyes ..how much comfort it brought to her, 
       touching and caressing that musical instrument with her fragile fingers…
                                   and her last sigh was peaceful! 

          
                                            September 5, 2021
                              "This Or That - Vol. 6 " Poetry Contest
                                          Sponsor: Edward Ibeh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Peck Avatar
September 20, 2021 at 11:19 AM
Oh, what a lovely poem, Mala. Your mom holding the flute -- so poignant and precious. Also congratulations!
Goldsmith Avatar
September 11, 2021 at 9:42 AM
WOW!!! Congratulations on your win. What a beautiful yet sad story/write. It was good you have the wooden flute from your brother. Have a blessed day/weekend............
Pandit Avatar
September 10, 2021 at 11:06 AM
Congrats Mala on your win in Edward's contest. A touching, heartfelt write.
Jayasankar Avatar
September 10, 2021 at 8:53 AM
Aww... This is just amazing and beautiful... so apt for the theme dear Mala... "two efflorescent roses on the same branch... "... LOVED this line... I see you won in this contest too... Congrats on your well deserved win my friend... Hugs... ~ Ani
Brul Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 4:34 PM
This is so moving!! Touching the very core of the readers's heart...Congratulations...
Dietrich Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 3:45 PM
this is just amazing. I hope it got first place. I am faving this one.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 3:52 PM
Thanks, Andrea. To your fave! such a great honour for me!
Ibeh Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 3:31 PM
Heartiest congratulations on your win in my contest with this moving, well-wrtten piece, Mala!:-) Really enjoyed it.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 3:53 PM
Thanks, Edward. It's an honour to be placed with your talented winners.
Kauffman Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM
Wonderfully tender story told with the delicacy of a flute's song dear friend. This has deeply touched my heart singing a song of family love. I love it. A fav for me. Congratulations on your win. It is exquisite. Blessings.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 8, 2021 at 3:55 PM
Dear Sam, So glad you read the poem! It's a true story - and I cry every time I write about it! A young life lost in its prime! A sister's love can be everlasting!
Andresen Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 11:55 AM
- A beautiful and deeply moving poem, Mala - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 4:08 PM
Thank you, Anne-Lise. My mother kept the memory of her brother alive by holding on to the flute.
Evans Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Oh, how sweet it is to see that touch of love of your Mom holding her brother's flute during her last moments. Beautiful.
Ray Choudhury Avatar
September 5, 2021 at 4:06 PM
Thank you, Marilene. Yes, it was a really tender moment I experienced!
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