Until

I'm holding your letters, here in my hand 
Each word is wrapped in cursive swirls
Of trembling, eloquent, handwriting...

You shared your life with me...

A gift of yourself,  like little grains of sparkling sand...
Slipping through my open fingers
But, it's only now.... that I fully understand...

They were small chapters, and stories....detailed accounts...
         of a picture you framed, 
                      a flower you grew, a morning of mauve,...
                             a dress you made, a puzzle you solved...
                                      or the rains that quickly came, then disappeared...

A little life, a simple day, so quickly came, and left....through fading years....

Snippets of a life that seemed unremarkable, too easily dismissed

Until you were gone.
  Until I missed you...
      Until I began to realize 
                  that I wouldn't have a second chance...
                      another day,  to pay closer attention, ...
                                      to ask more questions,...to show more interest
                                          to look deeper into your eyes,
                                                    those eyes of experience, clarity...
                                                        kindness and charity...
                                                         so filled with the wisdom of age
                                                            ....before the page of love had closed....

Your caring, ...your patience,...your understanding....
That in my neglectful ways,
                      I thought would always be....

These letters I hold in my hand,
            ending with words of love.....
                          that perhaps, I didn't really deserve

                                That only now,  I've truly heard....





By Carrie Richards

______________________________________
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Williams Avatar
September 11, 2011 at 3:18 PM
hey Carrie congrats on your win,creative and evocative..David
Neels Avatar
September 11, 2011 at 5:13 AM
Gosh Carrie, so much emotion.. just the joy of having these letters even if it is only now still have so much significance attached to it. Knowing that you were love and deservedly so I would so.. Congratulations on your win, love Wilma
Ramsdale Avatar
September 10, 2011 at 4:35 PM
Congratulations on your placement in Michael's contest. Have another creative day filled with blessings my friend. CR
Beck Avatar
September 10, 2011 at 9:33 AM
beautiful, touching, so real-feeling....should be Number 1 in the contest....it has been greatly under-rated.....best wishes Syd
Brown Avatar
September 10, 2011 at 7:57 AM
Congratulations on your win in Michael's contest Carrie. Love, Carol
Devonshire Avatar
September 10, 2011 at 3:37 AM
Sweet Carrie, you deserve ALL the love that is offered to you. Beautifully penned and genuinely moving poem. Congratulations on your win in Michael's contest. Love, Carolyn
Johnson Avatar
September 9, 2011 at 7:02 PM
Very poetic and beautiful. congratulations. Joyce
Sweetheart Avatar
September 9, 2011 at 6:34 PM
CONGRATS CARRIE ON A MAGNIFICENT WIN WITH THIS DEEPLY MOVING CREATION IN POETRY..SO WELL WRITTEN AND PRESENTED LUV..
Falotico Avatar
September 9, 2011 at 4:44 PM
Congrats Carrie on your 3rd place win in my contest... luv Michael
Jordan Avatar
July 15, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Carrie my neighbor congratulations on placing in Christie & Sharon’s contest – I apologize I wasn’t able to congratulate you until now,YF4L - God Bless, MJ
Strand Avatar
July 1, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Congrats on your success in Sharon/Christie's contest Carrie.Rgds Brian
Hudson Avatar
July 1, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Congratulations on your win with this most excellent poem! -AA
Moreno Avatar
July 1, 2009 at 5:10 PM
Carrie, you've crafted another great piece, congrats on your placement in the contest...Raul
Gass Avatar
February 13, 2009 at 8:28 AM
Carrie, this is so beautifully written. The emotions are clear and deep. It is so sad that we can see things so clearly after it is too late. This is such a tender write that touches the heart, deeply.
Williams Avatar
December 8, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Hi Carrie.... yes this write is very touching and laced with sadness and regret.... thinking of the time when we can't
Swanson Avatar
December 1, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Beautiful writing Carrie, makes me think of so many things I hadn't truly realized I had, til they were gone. Well, like you have so well titled your poem here "Until." It sums it up perfectly. This is a good wake up call, too, to fully live and experience what we have now, while we can. Thanks too for the very kind comments you left on my poem for my dad. God bless you and have a wonderful holiday season. :) Amy
Smith Avatar
November 25, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Thank you for you comments on my poems, you as well describe your feelings very well. This is a very touching poem. Crystal
Mason Avatar
November 24, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I used to get a weekly letter from my grandmother when I was in my 20's. She would always write of what she had eaten (usually a long list ... smile) or where she had gone the week before. When she was gone I think I missed those letters more than anything. You've done a beautiful write here, Carrie!!
Reynolds Avatar
November 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I can so relate to this hun, so so so relate. I understand, and you said it very well, love Kristin
Payne Avatar
November 23, 2008 at 9:20 AM
wow this was a really great write, beautiful words. Blessings, ~Michaela~
Fawcett Avatar
November 23, 2008 at 8:04 AM
Great poetry, Carrie, and carrying sentiments that I can deeply relate to. Always love reading your writes. Love, Nigel
Strand Avatar
November 23, 2008 at 7:35 AM
Very evocative words Carrie.Rgds Brian & thanks for your regular encouragement each day
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