Lavender Ribbon

~ because I seem to miss her more today than usual ~

 

 

 

It was spring when

calla lilies decorated my bedside table

 

“To brighten your days and sweeten your dreams” you said

carefully arranging each bloom

before tying a lavender silk ribbon around

Grandma’s crystal vase

 

Always a lavender ribbon

to match the wallpaper

with the tiny rose buds

 

I had wanted the big yellow starfish

but you reminded me

“Little one, those starfish

will be on your walls for years and years”

 

So I had you choose

and we both loved the rosebuds

 

Almost as much as you loved the calla lilies

 

Spending hours in the garden

puttering

(as papa would say)

 

Hair windblown

the lightest kiss of pink gloss on your lips

and sun on your cheeks

 

Not minding a little dirt on your apron

(or the tiny smudge on your chin)

humming with the birds

 

Puttering….

 

Until the day you couldn’t

 

And though I try

puttering...

 

The blooms aren’t as vibrant

not quite as bright

in grandma’s crystal vase

 

Even among the tiny white rosebuds

 

But the lavender ribbon

is still tied neatly…

around my heart

 

Yes, it was springtime

when calla lilies decorated my bedside table

and days were brighter…

 

and dreams were sweeter

Reviews

[Fran Marie]

beautiful heart felt piece ...so deeply expressed and nicely penned!

[MsJewel]

Thank you Fran :) Julie

[AprilRN1210]

You have gone and made me cry... Here I was thinking I would open this up and get those mushy, lovely, romantic feelings that I have come to love from you and I get this breathtaking, stunning, powerful piece that has shaken me to the core.. If you could see the tears streaming down my face, Oh My Goodness.. Julie!!! This is such a beautiful, tender, amazing piece... The story and memories highlighted were so delicate, and heartwarming.. Awesome ma'am... just freaking awesome....

[MsJewel]

I'm so sorry I left you teary eyed. I had the most wonderful mother. For one reason or another, I've been missing her more than usual the last few days...not sure why, but writing about her helps. Thank you for reading. I appreciate you :) Julie

[AprilRN1210]

((hugs)) ma'am.. you are welcome. and I appreciate you as well.. Writing does help.. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you for sharing the beautiful poetry. Memories of people missed can be rebirth the simple things. I remember watching the old TV shows and cherries/Vernors.
"Yes, it was springtime
when calla lilies decorated my bedside table
and days were brighter…"
I was lucky. Dear wife cut a few pieces of my Grandfather rose bushes. They come alive in my yard yearly and make me remember good faces and good times.
Coyote

[MsJewel]

What a wonderful gift and a beautiful way to remember those you love. Thank you dear friend :) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Julie, this is a masterpiece of sweet remembrance. A mother portrayed through a loving daughter's eyes....with sprinkling of her daddy thrown in. My eyes are brimming with tears. May that lavender ribbon be tied round your memories forevermore. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

Thank you Lydi. Some days I miss both of them so much...other days, I miss them.....:) Julie

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Julie... my Mom had a
green thumb... and now she is
tending roses with the angels.
Your poem touched my heart
and now wears a lavender ribbon
tied with memories. truly... Pat

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend :) Julie

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Julie ... your poem is framed on my wallpaper of rosebuds. We moved into a large home with bedrooms upstairs. The master bedroom has a Cathedral ceiling high up in the trees over looking the sky.
The walls were pappered with tiny rosebuds. Amen... Pat

[MsJewel]

You have made my day and touched my heart sweet Pat. Hugs, Julie

[stars are far]

that was so wonderful,, im not suprised that this color is classy, it is well done.. and as usual.. keep the best coming :)

[MsJewel]

You are very kind. Thank you :) Julie

[Troy Henson]

Losing those that we love is a hard time in life. Its those little things that remind us of them, those memories, those smell's, those quaint tiny things that are so unique to those that we grew up with that are simply gorgeous memories and ones t be cherished.

This was beautiful.

regards
Troy

[MsJewel]

Thank you Troy. My mother was a special woman. There are days I miss her and then there are days I can't even describe how much I miss her. But you are absolutely right - there are lovely memories to cherish. :) Julie

[kublakhan27]

So many of my own personal memories were revived with this one, but in a positive way...it's hard to believe it's already been two years since I lost Dad, it still feels like yesterday, and it hits me just as hard as it did then...the memory of my grandparents were also brought to life here...I love all the little idiosyncrasies that drive this piece, it makes it real and palpable...it isn't just a generic lament, it's your lament, and as sad as that may be, it is beautiful as well...I hope you're able to reflect on these things with a smile my friend, for the memories are what will always keep them alive in our hearts :)

[MsJewel]

I'm so sorry for your loss...I know exactly how you feel - time passes so quickly without them. It is those wonderful memories that make the times I miss my mother most bearable. I'm thrilled you enjoyed my poem. Your positive comment means a lot to me :) Julie

[A. Amos]

Your love for your mother is visible, this was deep and emotional. Sorry for your loss...

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words :) Julie

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome my dear