Portrait of a Lady

In recognition of the graduation on May 4th of my one and only niece, Madison Teague, from Azusa Pacific University.

PORTRAIT OF A LADY

 

Of the movie of her life

I’ve watched all too few frames

Have retained but moments, events and dates,

And hardly any names

 

What lives in this old uncle’s mind

Were her life but one short day

Only a few score seconds find�"

The rest has blown away!

 

A baby in a pumpkin patch

Once nearly dropped (but spared!)

At five, a game of “Fancy hats”

“Unka Fa’Down” truly cared!

 

         Despite those sacred moments missed,

Those days we failed to grasp,

No “bo-bos” bandaged, no “ouchies” kissed:

Yet in my heart I’d clasp

 

This babe, this child, this woman

Who today before me stands

Poised on the brink of journeys

To remote and unknown lands

 

Her Guides upon these future paths

Her Lord and Character will be;

‘tween Mind and Heart and family’s Love�"

No limits can she see!

 

So Madison, this day please know

Wherever on this Earth you land

Your Mark, your Grams, the rest of us

All hold  your Spirit’s hand!

 

Mark Teague April 29, 2013

Reviews

[Angel]

Oh, this is so touching!
As a grandmother, I can understand this piece, as I probably would not have done before the grandkids were born.
I am in awe of the depth of feeling of this...

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

The sincerity of love that eminates from your heart through your words to Madison are deeply touching. Having come from a land of no family to hold my spirit's hand, I smile for Madison knowing that she is blessed to know the realms of limitless possibilities because she has the love and support of you and her family behind her.

To have someone to give you wings to fly or to catch you when you fall is the greatest boon to one's confidence to spring forward into life.

Love!

[Mark]

It is i, more than she, who is the more blessed by our acquaintance. The only painful note is in comprehending just how little of her life I've had the opportunity to play a role, whichh of xcourse was the genesis of this verse. Thank you once more, Lionda; paraise of this magnitude from a writer of your undeniable power is a double boon, indeed!

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

One sweet kiss can last a lifetime. Though the moments may be few, the memories linger. Therefore, I'd say that you are both equally blessed. It's not the quantity but the quality that matters.

[Hannah]

This is so beautiful- so well-written and such an effortless flow... Your niece is very lucky and I'm sure she would feel very proud to read this... I like reading works like this- the ones built on personal experiences- and the trust the writer has in me as they let me into their world momentarily... So thank you, it was a very worthwhile read :)

[Mark]

Thank you, Ma'am! I am off to your page to see if I might reciprocate in kind!

[zainul]

A wonderful citation for a young genius who is on a gorgeous journey of life.
Thank you Mark Teague for sharing the love with us.
Zainul

[Mark]

You are certainly welcome sir. How did you come to be referred to me?

[zainul]

This is all my pleasure,dear poet.:)
I always try to get new writers and their works.
You were on my road of surveillance.
Nice to meet you,dear friend.:)

[poetdoug]

What a lovely poem for an uncle to write. I know she will treasure it always.
You have such a lovely way with words my friend.

[Mark]

Your comments are most appreciated. I will try and reciprocate ASAP, but my Internet activity has been most sporadic of late. Please drop by again!

[poetdoug]

no problem, thanks

[Rick Puetter]

Dear Mark,

Inspiring. All my best wishes. I truly hope she lands on the most inspired and peaceful of places. I feel I must extend my hand in friendship also, and if I can help, I'll add whatever strength I have.

Wonderful writing, Mark. Greatly enjoyed.

All my best, always!

Rick

[Mark]

Thank you, Rick. I've been onsite very little the past few months, for which I apologize. But I genuinely appreciate your extending a hand of friendship to me. Now that I am in Vegas, perhaps we'll be able to interact more than a few minutes every two years.

[Rick Puetter]

That is a great hope and I would greatly enjoy the opportunity of seeing more often. All the best, My Friend! Rick

[Constance Payne]

Such a wonderful tribute to a favorite niece.

Beautiful Work!

[Lourisa]

Brought a little tear to my eye... This is such a lovely poem, Mark, just perfect. Always a pleasure reading your work.

[Mark]

Are you my friend Lourisa from New Zealand, from whom I have not heard in nearly two years?!?! (And if not, pleased ta meetcha, thank you for the kind review!)

[Lourisa]

That would be the New Zealander. Humble apologies. Long story but i'm writing again. Am in psych ward at the moment and believe me, lots of inspiration to be found here! Love reading your work and learning from it. Take care!

[Mark]

You and I may have many tales to share of that particular venue, my un-met friend. I make myself available to you via any means or mode you wish to permit.

[Dr. Wood ?]

this is so good Mark

from the SOUL

Boy, when you get it right you do it with style

[Mark]

Thank you Doc...It's easy to write a heartfelt poem when you love so meone so VERY much, and have been acquainted with (if not an intimate part of) her life quite literally from day one--I remember the day, I was a cook at Shoney's, when my brother called me and told me that I was to be an Uncle!

[Tate Morgan]

One of your best and most endearing works to date.Simply flowed beautifully and told a tale of reality so well,