setting the table

it is passover. i wrote this poem 4 years ago and it becomes more meaningful to me as the years progress.

evening shoos day out of the room
setting the table for another holiday
without you
gravity pulls me into the sea of night
though i do swim through rose petals
the scent of tradition seems slightly off
the moon's florescent smile
does not reach my eyes
the parsley is dipped
in the salt of my tears
the bitter herbs are somehow appropriate
your first and only born
still mourns your passing
why is tonight different from all other nights?
tonight i browse through memories
hanging in the closet of time
i wrap them round my shoulders
cherishing every wrinkle

© 2013 Lydia Shutter

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

Hi, Lydia, just found this one as a suggestion to one of mine. There is much to be said for traditions and celebrations even those that are made all the more difficult with the those of a loved one...possibly your mother...and yet there are those memories to wrap around the shoulders for warmth.

A good write, Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ted, I always appreciate it when an older poem is read by someone. Thank you so much for this lovely review. Yes, it was my mother I was talking about here.....though my dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins are no longer here either. Lydi**

[Abby]

the mix of preparing dinner, salted tears, bitter horseradish, and sentimental memory or presence is touching.. true to the robust tradition of passover and the passage of time after loss.

I am not Jewish, but I went to a beautiful Seder Monday night, this poem was a natural weave of the religious customs and personal experience. Thank you this is very nice :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Abby, I think it is wonderful you shared in a Seder....it is by learning about other faiths that we find peace in this world. Thank you so much for your open mindedness and your review. Lydi**

[Bacchus]

the greens in the salty tears
i learned about this just a few years ago
oh to paint our doorways and remember the story

[Lydia Shutter]

The Passover story is one passed down from generation to generation. I was thrilled my granddaughters shared the holidays with us this year. Thanks for the visit, Bacchus. Lydi**

[Ardra]

The holidays do bring back old memories of loved ones who has passed on...

Hope you a beautiful and blessed holidays lydi...hugs

[Lydia Shutter]

thank you very much, Ria...for the good wishes and the review. Lydi**

[Papaya]

The holidays are always difficult because years of memories are built upon them. Beautiful words Lydi. xx

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, that's true. Thank you for the review, Ana. Lydi**

[Lorry]

Made me think of the sadness of an empty setting at the dinner table Lydi, where the person taking up your thoughts should be. Beautifully penned.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, my heart will always have space for the ones who have passed. Thank you, Neo. Lydi**

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

Your words are always very expressive and touching Lydi. i wrap them round my shoulders
cherishing every wrinkle

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much! Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Loss of a parent told in such poignant metaphors Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, John. As an only child who has lost cousins, parents, aunts and uncles, it hurts a lot. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

(((((( Lydi )))))) Holidays aren't the same without those we love. It's as though they take a little piece of those happy moments with them. I'm sure they are smiling down on you and wishing you a beautiful holiday. Big hugs to you my friend. Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Julie. I wish you a Happy Easter. I hope you can spend it with your daughter. LydI**

[MsJewel]

My family is coming to my house this Easter. Easter egg hunts on the beach! Thanks so much Lydi :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Enjoy! Of course, on the beach, what could be bad? :)

[writ rajat]

Very nice picture you draw in poem

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, writ. Lydi*

[redzone]

holidays are always hard, it's when all the things we talk and shared with them over a meals come flooding back but this time as memories and not the touch of laughter shared or the tears remembering scrapes and bruises, the heart throbs and heartaches... or the warm hugs and advice..

I feel your loss and all those "wrinkles" but also know that you are who you are in big part because of them... they would be proud of how you "set the table" Lydi, very proud... (((((LYDI)))))

redzone

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Curt. I appreciate you more than you know. Lydi*