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Speaks Volumes
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I am an average Aussie. Am blessed to have been born here. Now in my 70's and haven't found a place that I would rather be than Australia. We have our faults but its a good place. In the 54th year of marriage to the same bloke. We raised 3 terrific individuals and have 3 equally great grandkids. I have no achievements worth mentioning, worked from the time I was 15 to til I was 63. I was born later in my parent's life. They were age pensioners by the time I was 15. I auditioned and was accepted into a prestigious acting and drama institution to further my schooling, but financially it wasn't mentioned that I would do anything other than leave school when I was 15 and get a job, which I did. As a teenager I always loved committing my feelings to paper. If it didn't rhyme to me it wasn't poetry. I know this isn't the case in the world of literature and poetry but its just the way I see it. Healthwise we have hit a low spot in our lives and although I have enjoyed being a part of this site as it allows expression of thought to be posted without harsh critique from those more talented. I now find it too time consuming to be an active member. I love writing and reading others work, but its impossible to write read and comment as I cant afford the time. I write when I can (usually late at night, instead of sleeping), and I do read many poems of others as I find them delightful. I dont have much time for replying to comments or commenting on all the wonderful poems I read. I do ask a favour : Consider this a THANK YOU if you have commented on my work, its never expected. Please if I have been moved to spend time commenting on your poem, dont feel you have to compliment one of mine in return. I would love to comment on all your wonderful poems, but time just doesn't allow. If my guilt gets much worse I will just cancel all commenting on my poems which  seems such an anti social thing to do.   Best wishes to all.  SV

The best advice ever.

Blog Posted by Speaks Volumes: 11/22/2024 6:24:00 PM

Maybe I am not allowed post this poem, as of course it isn't mine. I had nothing to do with writing it, but its always been a favourite. I seem incapable of writing anymore. I have tried, but pain, sorrow, regret and  morose feelings of  helplessness have  sent my muse fleeing for freedom.If there is anyone in this world that you care about, or even someone you just know casually, this is wonderful advice...

Give Them the Flowers Now by Leigh M. Hodges

 

Closed eyes can’t see the white roses,
Cold hands can’t hold them, you know;
Breath that is stilled cannot gather
The odors that sweet from them blow.
Death, with a peace beyond dreaming,
Its children of earth doth endow;
Life is the time we can help them,
So give them the flowers now!

Here are the struggles and striving,
Here are the cares and the tears;
Now is the time to be smoothing
The frowns and the furrows and fears.
What to closed eyes are kind sayings?
What to hushed heart is deep vow?
Naught can avail after parting,
So give them the flowers now!

Just a kind word or a greeting;
Just a warm grasp or a smile—
These are the flowers that will lighten
The burdens for many a mile.
After the journey is over
What is the use of them; how
Can they carry them who must be carried?
Oh, give them the flowers now!

Blooms from the happy heart’s garden,
Plucked in the spirit of love;
Blooms that are earthly reflections
Of flowers that blossom above.
Words cannot tell what a measure
Of blessing such gifts will allow
To dwell in the lives of many,
So give them the flowers now!

Peace be with you Soup friends.

Speaks Volumes.



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Date: 11/25/2024 3:12:00 PM
Dear friend, I have a box, let me show you, of precious memories; captured seasons, smiles and giggles, some salty tears. Buttons and coins, with some string and other knick knacks that never quite found their way home. They don't matter, someone else can use them.. but what I am not giving up are the stolen pecks on the cheek, the impromptu hugs, the unexpected notes from friends, the fancy dress parties, the dancing, the countless kindness and of course the love and the authentic poetry. You may have a box of precious things too but I can assure you, there is a tiny corner reserved for you..unassuming, yet priceless x SS xx
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Sam Scott
Date: 11/26/2024 10:50:00 PM
I would be very happy to collaborate again my dear! In fact I would really love <3 it (perhaps not three at once though ;-)) Sxx
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/26/2024 3:40:00 PM
Ahh my Sam, I had always planned on asking you to co-write a poem with me again :).. Now I will be content with the pleasure we had concocting pieces that will remain in my memory. Bless you my friend.
Date: 11/25/2024 11:03:00 AM
Thanks for posting - great poem!
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/26/2024 3:37:00 PM
It is special isn't it David? How often do we wish we had visited or called or offered a word of comfort, after its too late? Best wishes.
Date: 11/25/2024 4:30:00 AM
Speaks, thanks for sharing this beautiful poem. I have been forcing myself to write recently since the death of my beloved cat not long ago, not the same as losing a person of course, but gosh it shattered my heart and the grief is heavy, I just push myself and dig deep for my words ~
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/26/2024 3:33:00 PM
Our pets are every bit members of our families, and can be just as loved. (Lets be honest, sometimes they are actually 'nicer' than some family members. I know your heart ache. My husband suffered a stroke and 5 days later in hospital, a heart attack. He was in put on life support twice and was over four consecutive months transferred to four different hospitals. Now home I have a huge responsibility ahead to help him recover. Until then I will limit myself to late night reading of all Soups poets. Be happy be well be safe. Wen
Date: 11/24/2024 8:39:00 PM
So sorry I didn't look at this blog yet. I hope we see you writing again. Great poem you showed us.
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/26/2024 3:42:00 PM
Thank you sweet Andrea. Please always stay as sweet as you are. Best wishes my friend.
Date: 11/24/2024 5:28:00 AM
Sorry to hear that your pen has stopped moving. You are such a gifted poetess. Definitely you'll be able to write beautiful poems again. Perhaps you need an interim break. I have been thinking of you very often, though I don't comment on your poems. I thought you must be busy with home and your dementia inflicted partner. When there is such pressure, you may not be in a mood to write poems. I send a bouquet of my prayers and good wishes to you as a token of my love for you. The poem you have posted is so very touching. It is in life we need flowers and gifts, not in death. Feel good, may God help you get over your depression, dear sweet friend.
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/26/2024 3:22:00 PM
Thank you Valsa. Yes my depressed feelings have diminished now Merv is home and slowly recovering. Poetry is so many things to so many people. For me, an idea, that did not begin to be a poem within the first minute or so, would never happen. Sometimes I raced to keep up with the words that my muse was dictating. Now its just me, and without that "inner voice" there is just a blank page. I will have to be satisfied to wallow in the wonders of this world without creating poems...You have a magical talent of weaving words to reach a pinnacle of excellence. You are gifted.
Date: 11/23/2024 3:37:00 PM
Words tend to read empty in the face of despair, in lieu of words I send you these virtual Orchids of velvety purples wreathed by white and yellow Daisies. Thank you for the beautiful poetry. Fare thee well my friend, and if your mood lightens, I'll be here with open arms. ~xhugs Anaya
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I Am Anaya
Date: 11/24/2024 5:15:00 PM
:):)
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/23/2024 11:38:00 PM
I have planted the orchids right beside my wonderful memories of you, my feisty friend. Thank you.
Date: 11/23/2024 3:48:00 AM
I agree dear friend. Blessings
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/23/2024 4:16:00 AM
Wish you could see my smile.
Date: 11/22/2024 8:19:00 PM
Beautiful poem with a relevant message for all. Try meditation, SV, embracing the vibrancy of silence & stillness. Entwined with the universe thus, I’m sure you’ll feel the rhythm of your heart and pen a poem again.
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/22/2024 11:43:00 PM
Thanks Seeker. I appreciate your advice. I believe all things happen for a reason. Maybe it is just time for me to stop filling my mind with fanciful notions, and concentrate on the nitty gritty of real life.
Date: 11/22/2024 7:00:00 PM
This is emotional, but there's so much truth within. I've heard this before, give me flowers while I'm still here to enjoy them. These thoughts touch my heart. Hugs, Brandy
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/22/2024 7:37:00 PM
Mine too Brandy. I think there are times in our busy lives that we can become complacent. A little reminding nudge doesn't go astray. Best wishes to you.
Date: 11/22/2024 6:41:00 PM
Beautiful poem and no problem with posting as you're clearly not trying to claim it as your own. I was glad to be able to mend fences with my dad before he died. Still got a few to go...
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 11/22/2024 7:37:00 PM
Me too Tom. I am working on them. The last 5 months has been an eye opener to me of how often we take things for granted. To put it off til tomorrow may be a big mistake. Being there ( in body or spirit) with the right acts and deeds is all important. All the best to you and yours.

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