You Were There


Your flame melts tears into the pool of wax
that remains in the filigreed dish that was your life,
growing ever dimmer as I gaze into your aged eyes,
those familiar eyes, the brilliant blue, graying
where time yet lurks as discarded shades of youth.

Lying lost in eternal abandon, you gaze upon me,
a vacant stare hiding memories of moments past,
of loves lost, no more memoirs to be written,
no awareness of now or seasons passing;
nothing abates your eternal smile, so gentle, so sweet.

Though you are still here, you left us long ago,
the woman who bravely yet tenderly
guided me through my youth, loving me for a lifetime;
whose flaming hair, bright as an autumn sunset,
expressed the essence that flavored your soul.

Now, yellow roses and white carnations adorn the lid
closed tight against grieving eyes and curious guests,
no more to look upon your beautiful face,
no more to hear the melodies of your wistful songs,
finally at rest, at peace from this worrisome world.

Sleep now my love, my gentle flower and know
I will miss you. Oh, how I will miss you.


09/08/2019
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Schiavina Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 7:50 AM
That is a brilliant poem dancing with colors and emotions. Well done master.
Inman Avatar
May 13, 2020 at 8:11 AM
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Frances. Master? You make me blush.
Brul Avatar
May 8, 2020 at 3:28 AM
A sweet and gentle passionate poem. Very heart-warming.
Inman Avatar
May 8, 2020 at 8:34 AM
Thank you for the lovely comment.
James Avatar
December 10, 2019 at 3:58 PM
So beautiful, James. The little death of a loved one is so so sad. Thank you.
Inman Avatar
December 10, 2019 at 7:32 PM
Thank you Kim
Marcum Wong Avatar
November 17, 2019 at 1:05 PM
A beautiful heartbreaking tribute to a lovely lady who helped shape you into the loving soul you are today James. My wonderful Aunt forgot all her four daughters, yet they found joy in visiting her and seeing how happy her little dog made her. It is so sad to lose the one you love so dearly while they are right here. My best friend of fifty years has forgotten who I am and forgotten my daughter, her God child. My sympathies are with you James. xxoo
Inman Avatar
November 17, 2019 at 1:11 PM
Thank you Connie
Perrin Avatar
November 12, 2019 at 4:34 AM
Such a heartbreaking but beautiful tribute to your mother. Sending love and hugs xx
Inman Avatar
November 12, 2019 at 7:05 AM
Hi Elaine, thank you for your lovely words.
Pandit Avatar
November 9, 2019 at 2:34 PM
So heartfelt and touching...this is grief that lasts a lifetime..excellent tribute, James.
Inman Avatar
November 9, 2019 at 7:46 PM
Thank you Vijay.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
October 29, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Such a soul-stirring poem, James! It moved my spirit to tears for your beloved loss. My father passed in April, and still I feel heavy sorrow ... but time has lessened it, thank God. I've missed your eclectic muse thoughts very much. You are in my prayers, brother. Love and more love always.
Inman Avatar
October 29, 2019 at 7:14 PM
Freddie, always so thoughtful, thank you for your kind comment. I feel sorrow for the loss of your Dad. I lost mine A few years ago. My mom passed a few weeks ago but she was gone long before that. She was 92. Thank you again.
Hamilton Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 12:54 PM
So touching, and so sad, but as you say she was suffering dementia, hopefully she did remember you and your last visit. I don't know what I would do without my mom, nothing like a mothers love. My deepest condolences!
Inman Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 2:57 PM
Thank you John.
Manassian Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 5:42 AM
What an amazing write and tribute. Each stanza needs savoring as it is so deep in meaning. I've felt this pain as I watched my mom being drained of life and vitality because of MS. There is a better day coming, dear.
Inman Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 9:57 AM
Nice to hear from you, Eileen. It is such a difficult thing to watch someone you care for slowly fade away. Thank you again.
Aurora Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 4:01 AM
This is such a beautiful and respectful piece of art. The loss only overshadowed by the love. This evokes a lot of feelings..
Inman Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 9:49 AM
Hi, thank you for your sweet visit and the kind words. So many emotions.
One Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 4:01 AM
heartbreaking poem, i would be lost without my mum..
Inman Avatar
October 27, 2019 at 9:42 AM
Thank you Silent One, mine passed away recently after years of deteriorating dementia. I visited her a few days before and she seemed to know who I was. We talked and joked and she smiled a lot.
Theraven Avatar
October 26, 2019 at 9:47 PM
James, This is a story told many times. You try to stave off the inevitable. Watch the love and the light go..,day by day. And we remain to pick up the pieces and go on. -Richard
Inman Avatar
October 26, 2019 at 10:00 PM
How true Richard. A sorrowful end for a wonderful soul. I would like to think that they are living in a beautiful fantasy and don't need the real world when the end finally comes. Thank you for your comment.
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