Eileen Manassian Poet Iambic Pentameter

Notes About The Poem

This Time of Year- For Jean Jack

I smiled at you as you sang Christmas song
you stood enthronged by others, bringing cheer
my heart was sad; it thought of all that's wrong
and why must sadness come this time of year

My heart was not in tune to every note
To you alone I looked and tried to smile
The words of Christmas hymns I knew by rote
But happiness was missing for a while

I later saw you getting in your car,
and I came by to give you warm embrace.
I sensed that you were sad, even from far,
and then I saw the pain etched in your face.

Why did I have to ask when it was clear
the reason for the glistening of those tears
this Christmas was the first without her near
the mother you had loved down through the years

What words can soothe the aching of your heart
when pain is few months old and wound is deep
For healing takes its time, and will not part
And so for now my soul with yours will weep

Your mother was a woman full of love
I know you were the apple of her eye
and now turn tear filled eyes to God above
My dear, he knows your hurt and hears your sigh

The pain will ease, but it will never leave
I know, for I have lost my mother too
like you in dreams I see her, and I grieve
Though gone, their love remains for me and you

Remember, dear, for us God sent His Son
This time of year reminds us of His grace
For over death, the victory He's won!
Be sure one day you'll see your mother's face!

Eileen Manassian
Written for Jean Jack Kareh
December 15, 2017

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Pashang Salehi January 16, 2018 at 1:13 PM Very beautiful Sad poem... great tribute... Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:27 PM Thank you, dear. Kind of you to visit. He is a dear friend. These times are particularly difficult for those who have lost loved ones.

Richard Lamoureux January 15, 2018 at 9:41 AM It’s good to have you back Eileen. Hugs Rick. Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:28 PM I'm trying to get back into the game. It's bee a rather busy month. I hope I can get to writing soon. Hugs

Connie Marcum Wong January 9, 2018 at 1:03 AM It is so sad to lose someone close to you at Christmas time, for ever after your Christmas joy is changed. You captured the sadness beautifully in your poem Eileen! My daughter's best friend lost her mother this year, just before Christmas day. At least she got to see her grandson before leaving. Happy New Year Eileen. So nice to have you back and posting. Love, Connie : ) xxoo Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:31 PM Thank you, Connie. Your visits are always welcome and precious. Those whom we have loved and lost live on in my hearts. That is some comfort. Wishing you the best in the coming year, dear. Hugs

Julian Scutts December 27, 2017 at 5:26 AM A very poignant poem ,expressive of true empathy but also consoling. Thank you also for your comment on my poem "To Cyprus." A good new Year. Julian Scutts Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:32 PM Thank you, Julian. Cyprus is dear to my heart. All the best to you in the new year.

James Inman December 19, 2017 at 9:23 PM A beautiful write Eileen, tender and caring. Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:35 PM Thank you, James. Jean Jack was touched by it. I'm glad I wrote it was a comfort to him. Blessings.

Richard Lamoureux December 18, 2017 at 11:30 AM I pray these words bring comfort and perspective at a very difficult time. Hugs Rick. Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:36 PM He was comforted. I'm glad that it was some solace for him. We carry the pain with us always, but we need to carry on with life.

Anne-Lise Andresen December 18, 2017 at 2:17 AM - Wonderful written, dear Eileen - A lot of emotion - Merry Christmas, enjoy your holiday with joy and peace :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:37 PM Thank you, Sunshine. I hope you had a good Christmas. It's our loved ones we must want to be with at this time.

Kim Rodrigues December 16, 2017 at 6:58 PM Like holding your friend in your arms, compassionate and knowing! <3 to you Eileen! Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:40 PM He is dear to my heart. I wanted to comfort him as best as I could. Words aren't always the best, but they help. I did give him a big hug. Thanks for your lovely post, dear. Hugs

Silent One December 16, 2017 at 1:17 PM Although it is a happy time of year. . We always remember those who have left us... so many are also sad this year and alone... deep amd touching write... Eileen Manassian January 16, 2018 at 3:41 PM Yes, it is true. God knows how to comfort the hearts of those missing loved ones. Sometimes he uses our words to do that. Thank you for the visit.

Jan Allison December 15, 2017 at 1:45 PM oh such a touching poems Eileen I am sure there are many that can relate to loss especially at this time of year:-( hugs jan xx Eileen Manassian December 16, 2017 at 10:34 AM I know, sweetie. It is difficult, indeed, as is being far from home at Christmas time. Sending love and hugs to you and yours.

Tim Smith December 15, 2017 at 11:53 AM You are a beautiful friend. Really touching piece Eileen. Eileen Manassian December 15, 2017 at 12:05 PM I wish I could ease his pain....Christmas is a hard time for those who have lost loved ones. Jean Jack works with my husband in media and has a lovely singing voice. He is a truly amazing friend. Thanks for your visit, Tim.