For my friend Nicky who died of ovarian cancer 12 years ago. I survived breast cancer, she died, friends and neighbours for 20 years. Battling together.
A beautiful memorial to another victim of that lottery we barely understand, where fate dooms us to hearing the tick of time as an entirely different thing, a countdown.
Some survive, others dont, but all learn what up to then we take for granted, seeing family grow up and expand, getting to where we want to be in life and a thousand other beautiful moments we fear we won't see again.
It seems at times like those that everything is like a lottery and life is the prize.
I'm sorry you lost a friend, and a goodie by the sounds of it. It does put things into perspective though. Maybe I should stop moaning about the weather and just accept I will forever be pale blue and just get on with it.
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
You are so right Lorry about life being a lottery. We don't know how long we've got. It takes the ne.. read moreYou are so right Lorry about life being a lottery. We don't know how long we've got. It takes the near misses and the loss of close friends before their time to make you appreciate what you've got. There's something to be said in living each day as though it wS your last.
Cheers me dear
5 Years Ago
Exactly, so have a cream cake with that vanilla latte and go buy a sled in case there is more snow. .. read moreExactly, so have a cream cake with that vanilla latte and go buy a sled in case there is more snow. Remember also to make the appropriate "wheeee" sounds when skiting yourself down that hill :)
Yes I have been in a sled. Not this year, last. Scared me to death, but I did it. Grandson on the .. read moreYes I have been in a sled. Not this year, last. Scared me to death, but I did it. Grandson on the back, steep hill, ended up buried in snow at the bottom. Great fun. Thanks for permission to have that bit of cream cake with my hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles on top :)
an unfortunate reminder of the random aspect of our existence
I lost a young friend at a very early age and I still recall that completely unexpected introduction to the realities of life and death
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Thank you Dave for responding. Yes nothing like losing a friend to make you appreciate the fragility.. read moreThank you Dave for responding. Yes nothing like losing a friend to make you appreciate the fragility of life.
My grandma also had cancer and she died a few months ago only. Even though I can't feel in person half the pain she suffered, I still feel guilty of not being able to do anything much. It's a heart touching poem and I am sure that Nicky is now in a much better place and will be thankful for a very good friend like you. All best wishes to you dear Chris
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Thank you Anjeline for your kind words and I am truly sorry for the loss of your Grandma. If you wer.. read moreThank you Anjeline for your kind words and I am truly sorry for the loss of your Grandma. If you were able to see her, that would have been more than enough. Take care.
A moving meditation on mortality here, rhymed nicely in iambic pentameter. There are certain relationships in life that go deeper than the rest, and some of them involve shared experiences. Illness seems to have been the bond in this one. The compensating factor is that they were there for each other. Not all are so fortunate. Well done.
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Thank you John. Yes we had a deep connection. I still miss her and it's twelve tears since she died... read moreThank you John. Yes we had a deep connection. I still miss her and it's twelve tears since she died. She lived in the house opposite mine.
A beautiful memorial to another victim of that lottery we barely understand, where fate dooms us to hearing the tick of time as an entirely different thing, a countdown.
Some survive, others dont, but all learn what up to then we take for granted, seeing family grow up and expand, getting to where we want to be in life and a thousand other beautiful moments we fear we won't see again.
It seems at times like those that everything is like a lottery and life is the prize.
I'm sorry you lost a friend, and a goodie by the sounds of it. It does put things into perspective though. Maybe I should stop moaning about the weather and just accept I will forever be pale blue and just get on with it.
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
You are so right Lorry about life being a lottery. We don't know how long we've got. It takes the ne.. read moreYou are so right Lorry about life being a lottery. We don't know how long we've got. It takes the near misses and the loss of close friends before their time to make you appreciate what you've got. There's something to be said in living each day as though it wS your last.
Cheers me dear
5 Years Ago
Exactly, so have a cream cake with that vanilla latte and go buy a sled in case there is more snow. .. read moreExactly, so have a cream cake with that vanilla latte and go buy a sled in case there is more snow. Remember also to make the appropriate "wheeee" sounds when skiting yourself down that hill :)
Yes I have been in a sled. Not this year, last. Scared me to death, but I did it. Grandson on the .. read moreYes I have been in a sled. Not this year, last. Scared me to death, but I did it. Grandson on the back, steep hill, ended up buried in snow at the bottom. Great fun. Thanks for permission to have that bit of cream cake with my hot chocolate with cream and sprinkles on top :)
Such a poignant poem written in classic style and in tight and splendid form. Sad but I guess we all have tales to tell?
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Just my appreciation of her and what she meant to me. Yes, we all have and live our own story. Thank.. read moreJust my appreciation of her and what she meant to me. Yes, we all have and live our own story. Thank you for your visit.
me too... i survived, it must have been very traumatic Chris and no one should ever feel guilty for getting better , i am certain your friend wouldn't want that... ♥
So many people young and with a lot to live for lose the battle :(
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
You too Stella. So many have near misses. Makes you really appreciate the time you have when you los.. read moreYou too Stella. So many have near misses. Makes you really appreciate the time you have when you lose close friends before their time. Keep well my friend and thank you.
Chris
5 Years Ago
I do count and give thanks for my blessings every day Chris .. at my age i have so much to be thankf.. read moreI do count and give thanks for my blessings every day Chris .. at my age i have so much to be thankful for ♥
having lost a couple very close friends who died quite young...I feel this...i always seem to be able to relate strongly to your words, Chris.
and often i wonder...why did i survive this long, and they didn't?
Posted 5 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
5 Years Ago
Thank you Jacob. I suffered from survivor's guilt for quite a few years. I lost five friends to vari.. read moreThank you Jacob. I suffered from survivor's guilt for quite a few years. I lost five friends to various cancers, all younger than me. Every time I got a negative thought, I would kick myself and remind myself that I was living for them. It makes me happy to know that you can relate strongly to my words. It means a great deal because you are an exceptional poet.
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..