Remember Together

And M.J. Smith. Remembering my friend Sharon Jodock-King.

A life filled
With reflections that wane
As night shades
But her light still learns
It is us!
Us, and the fears she hushed
With her flame
Illuminating her legacy
On death's day

A voice stilled
Yet her echo remains
Daylight fades
But her torch still burns
It is you!
You, and the lives she touched
You're her torch
Burning in her memory
Light the way

It was I, you and hearts that were true
That brought our lives together with care

For even in memory you are a heart's best friend
And in our memory you will go on without end!

2022

Author's Note

M.J. Smith wrote a poem in response to my Thank you note after my friend died. I deleted the note because it wasn't a poem and it did hurt to delete words written for me. But I certainly wasn't going to let this poem die in cyberspace. So I gave it to Billigami....

M.J.Smith wrote the second stanza and I preambled it with the first stanza and answered with a couplet. M.J. closed with a couplet.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

William, you make the words dance to perfect meaning. I liked the complete poem. You told a story of a good friend and the reader understood your thoughts. Thank you for sharing the powerful and worthwhile poetry.
Coyote

[William Michael Reeves]

You describe this poem well. A dance. Words dancing to the same tune. 'Round and 'round each other in unison. Thanks for barking at us Coyote!

Bill

[Coyote Poetry]

Was my pleasure and you are welcome Bill.

[William Michael Reeves]

Took me a minute to notice but your name changed?

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Both of you did excellent! What an awesome tribute to a friend that is passed on!

[William Michael Reeves]

That's one of the things I love about poetry. The mirror effect. Poetry begets poetry! And the emotions I was feeling get reflected by him making it that much more intense. And healing. Thanks

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Betty Hermelee]

Even though night darkens the sky, her light still illuminates brightly, not only her, but yours as well, in your memories of her. It seem her torch still lights up the people that meant much to her. It was a certain togetherness that was unique; and her voice remains as an echo of friendship.
Well done W.
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

That was a beautiful review Betty, thank you. She lit so many lives. If you want go to my poem 'When Willows Wept' . I posted an article the paper wrote about her.

[M. J. Smith]

I am honored to have been part of this beautiful tribute. And maybe one day we can do this again. Thank you for the opportunity. And this is truly beautiful.

[William Michael Reeves]

There you are! The honor was all mine. You started it. Your poem was beautiful and deserves the way we worked it and the reviews we've gotten, that I hope you've read. You should post it too.

In case you missed it here's a link to an article about her just published in our newspaper.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/sharon-jodock-king-advocate-for-people-with-disabilities-in-washington-and-beyond-dies-at-81/

[Soren]

I especially loved your last two lines " For even in memory you are a heart's best friend And in memory you go on without end!" This strikes deep at feelings of loss and nostalgia. Well done.

[William Michael Reeves]

Those last two are all M.J. He surprised me with such a beautiful ending. It was perfect and made the whole thing right. Thanks Siren.

[William Michael Reeves]

Soren. Autocorrect. I might have to write about Soren's siren someday

[Patricia]

So delicate and compassionate. Truly a lovely piece. It touches the heart ever so softly but deeply

[William Michael Reeves]

Delicate is the perfect description for this. I wrote delicately out of respect for what M.J. Smith had written. Very perceptive of you. Thank you

[Patricia]

you're welcome

[Miss Sharon]

Your writing is SO far above and beyond the usual fare on this or any other website I've visited on the web! ~Sharon

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you. Thank you very much! I do agree my poetry is unique and good. And when I get inspired by others like in this where I respond to something another poet wrote I feel all warm and fuzzy. I don't know about beyond though. So many styles that become Apples and oranges hard to compare. High praise Sharon. Thank you!!

[Miss Sharon]

You are most welcome! And I never say anything I don't truly mean from the bottom of my heart. ~Sharon

[John the Baptist]

Bodies crumble; it's natures way. But a person does not die in the in the memories of those close and caring. Other types of survival can be debated, but this one is not in doubt.

[William Michael Reeves]

Eternal memory that hopefully outlives our mortality in our poetry.

[lightsong]

So beautiful! Deeply touching, gorgeous and overwhelming, it feels like gentle waves of a warm spiritual energy. I bet her soul was there in your inks, guiding and bonding You both, I feel her presence strongly here. You two are completely amazing, dancing in one harmony. I dare to say too that I'm even jealous! Because when I die I would want something like this to be written for me ;>🤍 Thank You both for opening and sharing your hearts together as one 💞

[William Michael Reeves]

Please don't die!! But if you do I, and what are probably thousands of poetic stars, will be writing a collaboration universal singing your song! What a beautiful review and thank you, your words are so true.

[M. J. Smith]

I second that. I have only just met you. But I have seen the regard that my fellow poets have for you. And I have also seen the beauty you leave for others. Thank you for being part of our world.

[lightsong]

Dear Bill and M.J Thank You both for the beautiful and warm words, they make my heart smile and happy :> and thank You too for being new parts of our community here adding new and fresh flavors. much love and many bright blessings~