Eileen Manassian Poet Sonnet

My New Name

She gave me a new name that feeds my soul
when others label me, this makes me whole
from heritage is where she drew the word
I must confess this name I'd never heard

Aneolani, what endearing name!
to what it means, I cannot lay a claim
a "breath of heaven", oh, what pure delight
that she thinks this of me makes darkness bright

the name is more befitting to her heart
she stood by me when I was torn apart
And though she's far away, I feel her near
My "Fereshteh", she banishes the fear

My name for you is ANGEL, can't you see?
For you bring paradise so close to me

Eileen Manassian

This poem is dedicated to my dear friend, FJ Thomas who is no longer part of this community. FJ recently sent me a message saying that she has given me the name Aneolani, which in Hawaiian means "breath of heaven". I know I am not deserving, but I can assure you that I will treasure that name forever. I, in turn, have named her Fereshteh, which in Persian means ANGEL. FJ is the one who gifted me several Premium memberships and a Life time membership. She is the one who sent me a tiara and three crowns via post to Lebanon. She is the one who makes me believe in the goodness of people. To say I love this woman is an understatement. I'm sad we've lost her poetic voice here. She writes with fire and power. She is all I admire in a woman: strength, intelligence, and spirit.

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Darlene De Beaulieu July 26, 2017 at 8:49 PM F.J.Thomas seems to be a very close friend to you. Almost like sisters now that is a very close friendship. Hold onto that. Good friends are hard to find..Have a nice evening I enjoyedyour poem.

Pashang Salehi July 24, 2017 at 1:27 AM This really superb writing. I loved it, wonderful tribute ...

Funom Makama July 19, 2017 at 1:34 PM You just unzipped the covers of my mind to the unprecedented worship of your adorable lines with a powerful choice of words that can't just be ignored. Showers of your wisdom is well palpated in this page and the only thing I can say is a big WELL DONE! Can't wait to have more of your mental command flowing through my reading mind.

Maria Williams July 18, 2017 at 7:17 AM What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman, whom I didn't get to know unfortunately. This seems like a sad loss for PS, and for all of you her cherished friends ... Maria

Dean Wood July 16, 2017 at 3:30 PM This is a beautiful Sonnet and a lovely tribute to a true friend. Thank you for sharing this Eileen! - Dean

Frederic Parker July 15, 2017 at 3:42 PM A beautiful name was given by a truly beautiful spirit...I will always have sadness for her departure and will hold each tear my soul spills as a precious gem...a reminder that in my life I met someone though briefly such as her

Harry Horsman July 13, 2017 at 5:40 PM your comments to FJ ditto i believe also of you dear Eileen, i dont get around much these days, but so glad to be able to read your wonderful poetry when i do drop by....

Paul Callus July 12, 2017 at 3:36 AM You have been 'given' many lovely names, Eileen, and this one is so heavenly sweet and fresh. Flo's poetry is missed, and so is she. I agree with you...she is an angel who silently visits and leaves a lasting mark! I'm indebted to her. Hugs // paul

Richard Lamoureux July 11, 2017 at 9:40 AM I love your new name and this dedication. I miss F.J. Being here. She is a special lady!

Joanna Daniel July 10, 2017 at 9:01 AM Wow! What a lovely name and such a beautiful return tribute to Flo, Eileen:) I agree with you, she's an angel, and the name you've given her fits her well:) Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:35 AM Thank you, dear. I do like the name I've given her. :) I'd writtena poem about her as an angel long ago. I will post the link here: https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/my_angel_in_disguise__tribute_to_fj_thompson_644928 I appreciate your visits. Hugs

Daniel Turner July 10, 2017 at 8:02 AM Easy to feel the love in this poem, Eileen:) We look for good in all people, with some it's on display . Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:36 AM Yes. I've never met her in person, but I can't but hope that one day I will. :) She's a inspiration to me in many ways. Hope allis well with you, dear.

Connie Marcum Wong July 10, 2017 at 3:26 AM This is a very loving tribute I am sure you are sending to her. I hope one day that she will return to her Soup family. Both names are aptly heavenly! BEAUTIFUL! : ) Connie Marcum Wong July 14, 2017 at 6:53 PM I do, I do...I am married to a wonderful Hawaiian/Chinese man. My mother in law spoke fluent Hawaiian, Chinese and English, so he grew up knowing a lot about Hawaiian culture. I know I live in Paradise...nowhere on earth can there be more beautiful clouds that move with speed from the trades. I am blessed Eileen. Come see me. xxoo Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:39 AM Thank you, Connie. Hawaii is like a dream to me. I'd love to visit sometime. I'm super excited that F J has given me a Hawaiian name. :) Aloha, Connie. You don't know how blessed you are to live in paradise.

Sara Ella July 9, 2017 at 10:10 PM A beautiful tribute Eileen <3 Goodness in people is what I see in you and FJ Thomas. Nicely written. :) Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:40 AM Awwwwwww...what a sweet comment, Sara. Bless your heart, dear.

Ilene Bauer July 9, 2017 at 3:56 PM very touching, eileen! Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:41 AM Hugs, Ilene. Thanks ever so much. :)

Tim Smith July 9, 2017 at 3:52 PM What a beautiful gift from such a loving soul. Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:42 AM Yes, she truly is love and compassionate. Also, she isn't afraid to write sensual pieces that rock this planet! I so admired that in her. Hot sizzling pieces. It was good to have company in that area.

White Wolf July 9, 2017 at 3:10 PM Oh, this is lovely, Aneolani! What a great tribute to a great poet! Very nicely done Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:43 AM Oh...love "hearing" my name. Thank you W Wolf. :) Brought a smile to my face. It's an awesome name, isn't it?

Jan Allison July 9, 2017 at 3:07 PM oh what a beautiful name and a lovely tribute to Flo who as given us both the gift of words for life... I miss her:-( hugs Jan xx Eileen Manassian July 10, 2017 at 9:44 AM Isn't that an absolutely awesome gift???? Yes, I miss her too. She was always a force to be reckoned with. How I admire strong grounded women. Thanks for the visit, dear. Hugs