Time To Say Goodbye

(funerals)

said goodbye to Molly
named Helen at birth by
her parents

a work colleague from old
twenty years plus five
of letters and Christmas
cards

same age as mum
lost earlier this year
same war time resilience
a get on with it
attitude

oh the winter blues
have dug in deep
and there’s not a twitch
of movement on
our silver birch

my sentinel is sleeping
not weeping
spring is around
the corner
believe it

Reviews

[Dennis Wolf]

It is beautiful.
Simply because we all know that life is... Not as long as you'd like it to be once you get to a certain point...

And for some, even they know that every minute more is almost a miracle, but they don't think 'oh poor poor me' instead they continue to dedicate that time to living with full lungs, and they keep those important to them as important as they were.

If anything, then that is the mark of strength and character.
'get on with it' attitude, yes, when you realize that crying over it is not going to help either, you can only move forward even if it's just one clumsy stumble at a time.

I enjoyed reading this one, because it's honest, real and relatable.

[Chris Shaw]

I am touched by your very thoughtful review of this poem. Thank you so much Dennis.

Chris

[Dennis Wolf]

You're welcome. :)
I needed a decent read this morning to get up and start the day.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you found one worthy of your time. That has put a smile on my face :)

[Dennis Wolf]

Well, then it was all worth it.

[Relic]

When covid hit I lost touch with a bunch of friends. I found out a couple of days ago that two of them died. One two years ago and one last year. Getting older is curse we all have to experience. I find myself thinking more about my health these days than I ever did.

Sometimes life gets real sad.

[Chris Shaw]

Always sad to lose old friends Tim. Something to be expected as we age. Thank you for stopping by as I sad farewell to Molly.

Chris

[Dave]

Getting old is good, I guess. One of its drawbacks is hearing or seeing the passing of another. My high school graduating class was quite big. Each week I get a note telling me of another passed classmate. I'm getting to the point where I try to ignore them.
Take Cra e- Chris. Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Dave as we age it becomes inevitable. The goodbyes increase. Many thanks dear friend for your visit.

Chris

[Dave]

It was my pleasure to see you.
Take care - Dave

[Ken Simm.]

I particularly like the final stanza for both its structure and its meaning. I hope this poem doesn't sinify anything that has happened recently.
My ex worked in a hospice and it was amazing the number who tried their best to hang on until the holidays.
Seasons greetings to you and yours dear friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ken. Thank you so much for your visit. Wishing you all the best for a healthy and happy 2023. Keep warm.

Chris

[Chris]

The "Tontine" that is life as we live it... "May your memories remain clear and close ...and comforting.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Chris. I have wonderful memories and they are certainly providing some
comfort in a year of loss. Sending you, all good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

'They' don't let you in on the non-attractive aspects of ageing until it is too late, maybe it's better that way.
take care, have a Merry Christmas and a hopeful new year

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Dave. We are that age. Thankfully my earlier days didn’t have too many losses, although they are beginning to stack up now. Sending Christmas greetings to you too. Have fun.

Chris

[Gee]

So sorry for your loss Christine, just add the sadness to your pile:))
We are now at an age where graveyards welcome us in our dark clothing far to.often.

[Chris Shaw]

Sadly Gee you are right. We have reached that age where the graveyards seem to be visited more frequently as the losses increase. A sad fact of life. Thank you my friend for your visit. My back coat has had quite a few outings lately.

Chris

[W. Barrett Munn]

What a Catch 22 we have created hoping
for spring but another spring means one more step closer to the end. No wonder someone thought of eat, drink, and be merry.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Spring gives me the lift I need Winston. I stopped counting birthdays a long time ago. Pleased you stopped by to share your thoughts.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am friends with my mother's dearest friend, and I find it comforting to be able to talk to her about anything in the world, well mostly my mom, or the memory of her and how it consumes me still after all these years. I'm afraid spring is yet a long way off...and winter can be so unkind. Such a beautiful eloquence to this, Chris. It's vintage you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for sharing your mom’s loss and your understanding words Kelly. You are a treasure. All good wishes to you always.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris. My past three years. I lost many family members and friends. It is painful. I am sorry for your lost. I agree, during the holidays. I use to visit people. Few are left. Good early morning dear friend.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote and for your understanding. With age comes more loss. All good wishes to you and yours for the holidays.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris. And Merry Christmas.