ash

i knew you'll grow old on me,
my longings will outlive you,
the fruit that clings, higher
up a branch, you'll reach for me,
until your arms ache, your eyes,
can't see far out, your hands
curl on your palm to a limp fist,
the shape of a heart, changing,
to its truer form, a child's,
you'll yearn for your mother,
the sacred hours, long and quiet
as a wake, before the priest spoke
her last words for you, i won't -
speak for you, i won't bury you,
before you leave, i will be gone,
to scatter the ashes of longing,
the sky will open, for a moment,
i will be with you, in the open

Reviews

[V]

Beautiful writing. Lovely words and take on it. (I'm sorry to have to say that I cannot relate to the actual message/intention due to my personal circumstances but nonetheless a very well-crafted write)

[highonwords]

i am happy for you that you can't relate to the message of this poem - because somehow this is a tragic write - truth about separation of children from parents, when they are old and dying

best,
steph

[V]

You might be right but if I told you why I can't relate, you'd think differently about it. Though it's always experienced way worse by outsiders than by myself, actually.
I'm sorry if you have to endure a condition like this.

[highonwords]

my parents are growing old, but thank God, they aren't dying - they are both perfectly healthy :)read moremy parents are growing old, but thank God, they aren't dying - they are both perfectly healthy :)

steph

[V]

That's nice to get to know.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

parents never want to outlive their kids...and in some life afterwards i am sure we will all meet up again...

i like the expression in this....

j.

[highonwords]

my parents, jacob, are growing old - my younger brother, who lives out of the country, constantly reminds me to look after them - i am doing my best to take care of them, to love them as much as i can - thank you, jacob, for the insight and visit :)

always,
steph

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and i am sure you don't have to be reminded....i have been in your shoes for several years...i live far away ...and now just my dad is living...and living with my sister who is a nurse...she took him in but just constantly complains about how hard it is...i was there during the declining years when she was nowhere to be found...now time for her to step up...and she treats me like i don't care...very sad situation...

but my dad knows how much i love him...and your parents know how much you love them...

j.

[highonwords]

i am so sad over the situation between you and your sister - families are flesh and blood and love - ought to help one another without conditions - i hope you and your sister would reconcile - i am sure your dad knows that you love him - do you get to visit him?

i love my parents very much

always,
steph

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i will in May....but she will leave with her husband while i am there...it isn't just a brother/sister problem...the two girls who used to help my parents...healthcare givers...my parents loved both of them....but they both quite because of my sister...she isn't easy...just how she is...

[highonwords]

i hope your sister takes it easy - life is too short to live without patience - i am not judging your sister or your family - i am just stating an observation - old people, especially loved ones, should be pampered and well taken care of, because they could leave us anytime - then all we have is regret for not being there for them - i hope you have a lovely, peaceful visit to your father - maybe share a drink and spend the days of your vacation together as a family - that would be nice :) not imposing at all - just sharing thoughts and sentiments - hope i didn't offend you, as i mean no offense, jacob

always,
steph