Notes About The Poem

Stream of Memories

Oh tell me where they are, the ones I miss
The ones I long to touch with ardent kiss
Where are the ones my heart is longing for
I ache within for those whom I adore

Where are the ones that I have loved and lost
the ones I tried to keep at painful cost
Where are the ones who hold a piece of me
All silent now, a part of history

Alone, I sit while thoughts of them now plead
to come to life, to breathe, and to be freed
As I succumb to time who's gentle, kind
I see them all again; sweet trick of mind

The ones who loved me not, now love again
my mind brings mem'ries bright of where and when
and once again the sweetened words I taste
of friends and loved ones gone without a trace

I see my mother praying while in bed
She lives once more, not lying with the dead
I hear her whisper words of truth and grace
My trembling fingers trace her Angel face*

And then my daughter ‘s hand is safe in mine
She’s back at home and everything is fine
We spend the night in laughter and delight
I need not worry where she is tonight*

My loved ones are around me, not abroad
The ache that pains my heart is healed by God
For though I miss the ones my heart holds dear
This stream of mem'ries brings each loved one near

*My mother's name was Angel. She passed away on March 19, 2000. She had Multiple Sclerosis which kept her from kneeling beside her bed for her prayers. She would sit up in bed and pray for each one of her children.

*My daughter is studying in Hungary, and I miss her terribly

Eileen Manassian
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Trifiatis Avatar
October 12, 2016 at 7:26 AM
Memories are treasures that can last a lifetime dearest, Eileen! An artful poem expressed in a masterful way with deep meaning! A seven!
Manassian Avatar
October 14, 2016 at 2:00 AM
Thank you, my dear esteemed poet. I'm glad that you find my work tasteful. You know my estimation of you and your words of wisdom. Blessings kai filakia.
Lawless Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 8:39 PM
Beautifully written Eileen and deeply moving..
Manassian Avatar
October 14, 2016 at 2:00 AM
Thank you, John. You have brightened my day with your comment.
Callus Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 2:55 PM
This is so lovely, tender and touching, Eileen. Keep that chest of memories close by, and do not hold back from opening it when the need arises. You're not the only one who often 'lives' in the past:) hugs // paul
Manassian Avatar
October 14, 2016 at 2:02 AM
It's good to know that some others also cling to past memories. It is a good form of escape when sadness settles in. I miss you, dear. I would love to be back in Malta now. Every day was an enchanting one. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 2:52 PM
When you have time I wrote another piece called Holding Water.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 2:50 PM
The heart feels what it feels. Still it is important to remember how blessed you are to have such amazing women in your life. Hugs Rick
Smith Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:48 PM
I adore this Eileen. I can so relate. Your loving heart shines through these saddened thoughts. Your daughter will always bask in the love you share and one day bless you with grand babies. Momma is smiling down proudly at the terrific woman you have become...A big fave and hug dear friend.
Macfarlane Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 8:33 PM
Eileen, such a tender, beautiful and touching write. Your so right memories always keep our loved one near. Hugs
Manassian Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:06 PM
Thank you, dear. Where would we be without those sweet memories. Sending hugs
Turner Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 7:27 PM
Yes Eileen, memories can change everything we now know back to when we didn't. It is a trick of the mind. Absolutely beautiful poem with your perfect meter. I really love this. you knew it was great when you finished it. A7
Manassian Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:07 PM
I seem to be lost in past....often. I love life now, but I do miss the way things used to be. Life was simpler. Loved ones were nearer. Thank you for your kind words, Daniel. I'm blessed by your visits. Hugs
Parker Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 6:53 PM
A very touching poem and very well written, it flowed very well..and heartfelt is a good description
Manassian Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:08 PM
Thank you, Frederic. This comment coming from you cheers me, for I know you are good at meter. :)
Y. Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 6:22 PM
Hi Eileen, You have penned such a moving and heartfelt write. The pain of missing a loved one runs deep. Your beloved mother and your precious daughter are always in your heart. I can relate because my I lost dad years ago. I'm send you a Big cyber hug:-) Alexis
Manassian Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:09 PM
I'm sorry to know you lost your dad, dear. Ah...you know this sting of pain. Time makes it easier, but it can never erase the love. That's eternal. Thanks for the cyber hug. It brings me joy. I'm also happy you got a PM. I have a feeling I know who it is. ;)
Wolf Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 6:08 PM
What a beautiful poem /|\
Manassian Avatar
October 11, 2016 at 1:10 PM
Thank you very much, Rick.
Allison Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:31 PM
Eileen I know how much you miss your daughter and beloved mother ... but they are always in your heart... My son has now flown the nest so I really can relate to your emotional lines:-) hugs Jan xx
Manassian Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:40 PM
Thanks, sweetie. I know your son is away at uni. I don't think they'll ever understand how that pulls at our heart strings until they are parents themselves. It's going on two in the morning. I need to get to bed. I was looking for material on Dr Faustus by Marlowe for my Lit 1 class, but these thoughts wouldn't go away, and I had to pen them down. Thanks for reading...I'm off to bed. Will visit tomorrow. Hugs
Green Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:29 PM
This was such a beautifully sad piece of writing. I could feel the loss and the missing for your mother and the miles lingering between you and your daughter. But, still the beauty of the memories old and those still being made was wonderful.
Manassian Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:38 PM
Thank you, Chris. The heart can hold so many loved ones....I thank God that memories can ease the pain of loss. My daughter will be home in January, and so I hold on to that when I miss her terribly. Thank God there is skype! :) Blessings and thanks for reading.
De Beaulieu Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:29 PM
Hello Eileen,this poem is filled with a lot memories.I see that as I read.So sorry to hear that your mom had to uffer with Multiple Sclerosis I have some friends with that illness. I did enjoy your poetry.
Manassian Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:37 PM
Thank you, Darlene. I knew from a very early age that my Mama was sick, and it tore me apart to see her keep getting worse. I begged and pleaded with God for a miraculous healing, but it was not to be. I appreciate the post, dear. The good news is that death, distance, separation cannot put out the flame of love.
Chircop Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:26 PM
I feel you Eileen...I feel your heartache as a mother and daughter...Your Angel is in heaven..Her soul within you .and your daighter is only a heartbeat away..Distance is a killer..but love id stromger tham those spaces brtween...A fave...and a big hug .i feel.you.need one.
Chircop Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 6:02 PM
Eileen ...there is no goodbye between mama and daughter...her dna is in you..You are in yr daughter.s..Hugs
Manassian Avatar
October 10, 2016 at 5:35 PM
Yes, sweetie. I do. I seem to be missing so many people lately. I wish we could all be close together. My family is scattered here and there. I miss my Mama...I see her now and again in dreams. There is a better day coming when goodbye will no longer be a part of our vocabulary, dear one. I believe that day is coming soon....Hugs to you.
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