etched your name...

I fear not being able to recall your voice,                                      

                   the tone of inflection in your laughter                                                 

flibbertigibbet on your most playful days,

  endearing smile in earnest expression

regard for the smallest of creatures

 taking on the underdog's plight as your own,

  fog of your breath on rainy windowpanes

           as you etched your name,

your face lit in amusement's spark

      angle which you cocked your head inquisitively

sweet times you held my hand when you were scared,

 how we both adored the scent

                 of  wildflowers in our tresses,

times we shared in wistful reminiscences

butterflies on your wedding day and the last,

  matter of fact way you'd call me 'big sis'....

most of all I miss the exceptional warmth 

            of your sunshine in every minute's sigh

Author's Note

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

fog of your breath on rainy windowpanes
as you etched your name,
that line right there. I've never lost someone to suicide - only to the monsters of disease and the ticking clock. We are all wired differently - some of it is hard wiring and some - factory second work due to upbringing - the wear and tear of this difficult life on a soul not designed for so much pain...what ever it is - for me personally and what made this poem worm its way down to the place where I ache - is this: for me life presents itself, memory presents itself in the smallest of moments. I remember the exact color and shape of my dad's lips as he read me bedtime stories, when we lived in KS (I was five when we moved to AR) life continues residually in pictures, in songs, phrases, words - and you have captured this with such heartwrenching eloquence. That you can bring this back to the surface with such raw emotion and articulate the beauty in these moments - that is brave. some of us writers - we don't ever get past the rage - we are cynical and toxic. You aren't. The light as others have said just flows from you and your words.

[redzone]

Even when you are 104 you will smell those wildflowers Lee and you enjoyed and hear her say "big sis" I love and miss you too. Etching her name on your heart is a forever remembrance Frieda. I love how you weave these precious memories of her in such an artistic way, tugging at our heart and allowing us to miss her as well and to know her through your eyes.

Your devotion to her memory is one of the things that not only makes you special, and why I love you.... so, from across the river ((((Frieda))))

[Bill O. Writes]

Wonderful piece. Sadness in its roots but still a great collection of words and really paints the picture of your love. You did justice for your subject and self with your success at showing a hardship in life in a tender way.

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Frieda, this one strummed the strings of my heart. You will not forget anything about your sister and because of all the wonderful poems you write about her, I think a lot of us will not forget her either. The imagery is so sweet here. Brought me back to Joisey days of writing my name on the fogged up windows....heavy sigh. Written from your heart. Absolutely gorgeous....as was your sister. Lydi**

[Frieda P]

Lydikey, you've touched my heart, thanks so much for your sweet words. I can only hope her spirit lives on through my poetry....

[Lydia Shutter]

It is, Frieda....believe it.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Lee was stunningly beautiful Frieda. And your descriptions of your closeness and love in this most beautiful poem are immaculate. You don't need to be afraid to forget her as you never will but she would not want you in this much pain for so long. Maybe it is time to own this and stop seeking solice in sadness and sad music. Only saying.

[Frieda P]

Don't preach to me John, not on this one, when you stop writing about the angst of lost loves, I might consider it, you know where this one came from, don't make me hurt you.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I am not preaching and in your heart you know it! I have answered this in my response to your comment on The Pain of Poets. And if you feel the need to hurt me I am big enough to take it.

[AprilRN1210]

people heal and deal in different ways... you of all people should know this John... especially with your psych background... writing and music are forms of therapy, no?.... this music isn't sad... if you listen to the lyrics.. just saying... sorry, had to throw my two cents in...

[Frieda P]

THANK YOU APRIL! xo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The sisters hit me again. Will crawl back into my hole.....

[AprilRN1210]

anytime girl...

[redflutterby]

I see I'm too late to chastise here... ha

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Oh feel free. Never to late to put the boot into the good samaritin.

[redflutterby]

John...I would never put the boot to you hun. Im too torn up myself to hurt anyone else.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

And I wish it were not so.

[redflutterby]

you're love for her shines brighter then the sun even in the darkness of your pain..... :'-( xo

[Frieda P]

Thanks so much Andrea, know you're not having an easy time of it right now, means a lot to me my sweet friend. xo

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I don't think you will ever forget...have no fear...she is in your heart and soul, always...and will stay there...

your poems to her are beautiful, sad and at the same time hopeful.


jacob

[Frieda P]

I'm sure that will never happen, it's those small reminders that sometimes are fleeting, thanks jacob.

[Cryingkate]

Nice tear jerker as usual.. :-)
However I didn't cry I smiled.
I smiled cause those days of reminiscing pain rarely ever ever come to me anymore and I'm learning not to accept things of life as painful anymore and so Life is fuller, brighter.

[Frieda P]

Tears are an inevitable part of life, I'm glad you could smile in your own reminiscence. Life will never be the same, there's a huge void in my heart, five years and it still feels like only yesterday and a million years ago too.

[Cryingkate]

Yes I know and I do feel sorry for you. Very Sorry

[Matching Socks]

Frieda, this is breathtaking in it's beauty. It really touches the deepest place in my heart.
All the little things we miss... and hang on to, and fear will fade.
A very very moving poem.

[Frieda P]

You've touched me with your sweet sentiments Ana Sophia, thanks so much. x

[Matching Socks]

((((((((((HUG))))))))))

[R Smith]

extraordinary poem Frieda, such beauty and sadness mingle into a true work of soulful art.

[Frieda P]

Thanks so much for your kind words Richard, I'm humbled by your review.

[R Smith]

your very welcome