Michelle Faulkner Poet I do not know?

Notes About The Poem

My husband is facing some serious health issues now, this poem is basically what the last week of my life has been like-

Little Things

In novels, love is the obstacle overturned by the ardent swain
In song, love is a grandiose solo in melodic chains
In poetry, love is fervent rhyme in syncopated refrain
In movies, love is a monologue in the rain
In real life, love is made of little things

Of scraping burnt crust off the grilled cheese
Of putting his favorite soda in the fridge, to be cold when he gets home
Of giving up the comfy chair to his aching back
Of putting ice in plastic bags to sooth the shocking jolts of pain in his spine
Of slipping his shoes on and off because he can not bend to do it
Of sleeping alone in the king-size bed upstairs because climbing steps is too excruciating for his weakened legs
Of driving him through rainy rush-hour traffic for his physical therapy
Of watching his face contort when he walks and knowing there are no words of comfort to abate his agony
Of smiling at his goofy jokes, just to have an instant of relief
Of linking fingers while waiting for what the doctor will say

Little things are the cushion
When the world comes down.

2/7/19

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Line Gauthier May 23, 2020 at 10:37 PM Poignant poem, Michelle. I can totally relate. Also, I love the symmetry of your well crafted poem.

John Watt May 14, 2020 at 8:48 PM An amazing write, Michelle. This is a great reminder that little does not equate with insignificant. The first thing I noticed when I opened this up was all the little words lined up on the left. Intentional? Serendipitous? But then I was floored by your definition of love in contrast to all the romantic versions in popular media and literature. These little gestures are the 100 million pennies that make your husband feel like a million bucks. I love your willingness to go deep in your poems.

Susan Ashley June 11, 2019 at 7:27 PM Your poem is an intimate portrayal of potent poignancy, Michelle. So very moving. Congratulations on your excellent win. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart June 8, 2019 at 7:34 AM I am a puddle, reading this again. Congratulations for your win. xomo Michelle Faulkner June 8, 2019 at 5:00 PM Thank you, Maureen, I am grateful for your comment.

Line Gauthier June 7, 2019 at 11:20 PM Such a touching and powerful poem, Michelle. A FAVE for me. My thoughts of encouragement are with you. Congrats on your most deserving top win. Michelle Faulkner June 8, 2019 at 4:59 PM That means a lot, thank you, Line-

Rhona Mcferran February 11, 2019 at 5:23 PM I can totally relate to this, and will keep you both in my prayers! You have gorgeously described the stuff TRUE love is made of... and while it may not be as glamorous as the movies, those little acts of kindness and sympathy mean more than all the roses and candy in the world! Hang in there, my friend! Michelle Faulkner February 11, 2019 at 11:04 PM Thank you, Rhona, I am truly appreciative-

Mystic Rose Rose February 9, 2019 at 5:03 PM Oh Michelle, this one brought tears to my eyes, It sounds like you have such a special relationship, the thing that make true love bonding are the little things that add up to surmountable emotions that cinch the heart and soul of both. Loved it, a 10 for sure xo Michelle Faulkner February 9, 2019 at 5:49 PM Thank you so much, that does bring comfort, and I am grateful-

Caren Krutsinger February 7, 2019 at 10:30 PM You are getting a zippity dooh day prayer chain of prayers from Kansas tonight; and it feels good giving them up. I hope it makes things a tiny bit better for both of you! Michelle Faulkner February 8, 2019 at 5:33 PM Thanks, Caren, every little bit is welcome!

Gershon Wolf February 7, 2019 at 10:22 PM Hang in there...Keep the faith...and keep on doing all those little wonderful things that make the difference between meaning and meaninglessness. Thoughts and prayers your way, Michelle. ~ Gershon Michelle Faulkner February 8, 2019 at 5:32 PM Thank you, I do need those now!

M. L. Kiser February 7, 2019 at 2:45 PM They truly are. I recall many weeks like this, when I was taking care of my late Father. A hard week that produced a well done poem. Michelle Faulkner February 7, 2019 at 10:08 PM Appreciate your support, thank you, ML-

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart February 7, 2019 at 2:15 PM Oh my. Lump in the throat, so much, so well told. Gulp. And Hugs. xomo <3 Michelle Faulkner February 7, 2019 at 2:31 PM Thank you for your kind words, Maureen-