When you were near

when you were near 

it was hard to believe 

there would come a time 

when you are here no longer

sometimes I wonder, 

can the stars draw 

you closer to me 

when I dream? 

I conjure you

with my hearts memories 

with a soulful concentration 

but sleep is just sleep

I am not permitted 

to gaze 'pon you this night,

I have learned I cannot 

will you into my dreams.

there is nothing 

lovelier than your smile 

the image renders me silly 

giggles through fat tears. 

the melia is full branches greedy

& heaving with a thousand blooms

aromatic & generous, they remind me 

of Sunday mornings, burnt pancakes, 

fleshy sweet papaya, coffee on a tray  

I swoon at the chef, 

melia between his teeth 

booming laughter on his lips

I never ate those pancakes 

did you notice?

what I would give to eat 

burnt pancakes with you

just one more time.

for now the melia will unfurl

glorious and each unique 

in their sameness 

they flitter on a breeze 

to rest at your feet.

and I remember

when you were near.

 

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Heart-breakingly gorgeous homage to your Lani my sweet, brave Ohana. “When you were near”- poignant memories of a love so strong it transcends death. You and he are on either side of a gossamer veil, reaching for each other through your dreams. The beautiful flow, symmetry and imagery of this poem is lovely, organic. “Burnt pancakes”- you honor us by sharing this most precious, personal, loving vignette of Lani and the melia with us. We feel the pristine sweetness, fun, closeness and sensuality of your life together. You, he and your children are blessed. He will always be with you my ohana. xo

[m3lody mae]

This is just so wonderful, I love this write. Awesome

[barleygirl]

This is the ultimate of showing how love goes in dozens of detailed & realistic & unique ways. I don't often love a love poem, but this one I do. I was so taken into the rapturous viewpoint being expressed, I was yearning right along with you. Sorry I've not seen you in my newsfeed & I'm forgetful, so people disappear from my reviewing attention! I'm glad I saw you in my newsfeed again & I was eager to click so I could read you again! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

I do understand the poem dear friend.
"what I would give to eat
burnt pancakes with you
just one more time."
The above line. Honest words shared and remembered. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[emmajoy]

'.. sometimes I wonder, - can the stars draw - you closer to me - when I dream? - I conjure you - with my hearts memories - with a soulful concentration - but sleep is just sleep .. '

Beautiful sadness, start to finish. Izzy. You've always had both a gentle yet vibrant way of letting your emotions run into each other. The result now is even more intensely passionate; most of all - tis gently phrased call into your arms. Love knows where to find a welcome. .

15 June, HAVE HAD to re,read this beautiful piece of writing. Tis so full of magic memories and emotions. Thank you so much for your message. Bless you, dear Izzy-friend. xx

[Kelly Scheppers]

The melancholy is rich, and the sadness is consuming. But it resonates with love, so profusely!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

such loss...what i would give to eat those burnt pancakes...oh the things we wish we had done when we had a chance...and with those people we appreciate even more when they are gone.
i think this person is still very near to the speaker...always just a close thought away.
j.