What a nice way to give a friend the gentle touch of your hand for such a difficult subject matter. I am sure it must be a lonely place, this Reluctant Sisterhood. One I, myself, am never looking forward to. But your words here give hope that such a place it manageable. Calming, gentle, encouraging words. Love it Mark!
Wow! This one was so insightful and so wonderfully wrought. I've liked the other poems I've read from you, but for me this one just shines. I was going to quote some parts of this poem that I think are especially good, but I can't pick any favorites. Every stanza and line is near perfect, doing its job to bring zing to the others. As a whole it is near perfectly crafted (nothing is perfect, but this almost is!). Just an excellent, excellent job.
I'm impressed. I'm giving this a rating of 98%, the highest I've ever given. I've given this 5 times in the past in my current 335 reviews. A rating of 100% is impossible, and I'm sure that I'll go blind if I ever come across a 99% poem. So to me, this is among the best poems I've read on WC.
There are many such clubs, I think. I belong to a few myself. The important thing is that we support one another in difficult times, no matter what those difficulties are. Very fine word-smithing, Mark.
Beautiful message in this Mark!
How true.........it is not what we ask for, desire for. It is a reluctant sisterhood to be left alone by the loss of a mate! It is as if life has taken its hand the dealt us a good, stinging slap!
Thanks for posting this. I needed to read it!
With Friendship,
Sheila
Writing, for me, has always been the friend who brought out the best in me, and who would never argue with me, except when necessary to point out my many obvious inconsistancies.
Writing and.. more..