Tweet at #Slice2013
Round Three of the March Madness Poetry Competition is upon us. Please go read the fabulous "sweet sixteen" poems, vote for your favorite if you haven't already, and give compliments in the comments to all. Ed DiCaria is working hard to make the event challenging and KNOWN. I had fun while I lasted, was excited to be included in the first sixty-four, but alas, disappeared quickly in the first round. Maybe next year!
------------------------------
I’ve continued to create poems for a personal
project that speak of different ways of looking at children (mine, others, and
grandchildren, too) growing up. It is a
series of poems at different stages in a life, essentially saying goodbye each
time. I hope to put them together into a
book with pictures of my grandchildren (now 11 ½, almost 4, and 18 months) and
children at the particular stage I am describing in the poem. Part of this comes from my talks with my
daughter, the children growing and changing so quickly.
Another part is that I love telling stories through poetry, and I love poems of goodbye, so I thought this would be a good way to combine both passions. Previous poems can be found through the tag word of goodbyes.
Another part is that I love telling stories through poetry, and I love poems of goodbye, so I thought this would be a good way to combine both passions. Previous poems can be found through the tag word of goodbyes.
My son, daughter-in-law and grandson
were here last week for spring break, and when they left Saturday, I had a
flash of how I felt when Nathan, my son, left for college. Here is the 10th poem, wrapped somewhat into the
goodbyes I said Saturday and those I said a long time ago.
Steps
Now,
dawn
goodbyes I am saying
hug
son
all too soon he’s
going
bright
smile
tell him I’ll be
calling
quick
look
memorize his being
wait
wave
give the final
parting
turn
sigh
let the tears go
flowing
 |
| Do you remember, so young, so ready to go, go, go? |
Linda, I love this project. My favorite lines in this poem:
ReplyDelete"memorize his being
wait
wave
give the final parting
turn
sigh
let the tears go flowing"
It takes me back to the goodbyes I said when my two went to college. They were so excited to begin a new chapter in their lives, and I tried hard to turn before letting my tears go flowing.
Thanks Ramona, exactly the feeling.
DeleteThe word rhythm of this poem reflects the title Steps for me. Like footsteps that are here, here, now walking away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, it was an easy title this time. Sometimes they don't 'arrive' right away.
DeleteMy oldest will be going to college in the fall so I can certainly relate to this, Linda! I like the form you created.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabatha. Best to you in this stage of your life, both wonderful & tough.
DeleteThe consistent structure of this poem presents both a challenge for the poet and a predictability for the reader. You have met the challenge admirably in your poem Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan. I appreciate the response.
DeleteGood morning, Linda. This is a beautiful post. My children are still at home, but approaching that time of goodbyes. I love how your use of gerunds in the poem emphasizes that these goodbyes are constantly taking place. It's not a static goodbye, but an ongoing state of being for the speaker. Sending a hug to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Laura. Your comment teaches me to be constantly aware of how poems work! So much to consider!
DeleteI love this tiptoe poem. "Tell him I'll be calling" speaks to me. Those calls are so precious to me. The sound of her voice warms my heart. Keep writing. This is a worthy project and shows your heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret, & I love your term, "tiptoe". It's true-once in one's life, and then just bits & pieces.
DeleteWonderful to see another of your goodbye poems, Linda. This one was lovely and so poignant. Like the structure, felt like a "push-pull" of emotions -- your wanting to hold onto him, yet having to let him go and find his own way. Oh, that last quick look is always so hard . . .
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama. It is exactly what a parent wants, for the child to go out into the word, but at the same time, not an easy "push".
DeleteI love the line "memorize his being". I feel like that all the time with my daughters - they are only 1 and 3 years old. Sometimes I think to myself, stop and remember this moment.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I'll still be feeling like that when they leave for college!!
Thanks.
Yes, you will, and for even older ages! I'm glad you're taking good notes now, too! Thanks.
DeleteOh, thank you for sharing another gift from this project, Linda! I love the line: " memorize his being." This so resonates with me, with all my kids hither and tither.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought it would, Tara. I know you relish when they visit, & it's hard to say goodbye too. Thanks.
DeleteYour project is awesome. The running theme of goodbyes is a mixture of sadness and celebration. In this poem you have marvelously combined the quick actions with the longer inner thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry I didn't visit this week. I went back today. I especially liked the 13 pieces of your life and the interview teaching with young students.
Thanks Terje. I'm always happy to hear your thoughts. And I know you've been busy!
DeleteThis is a beautiful addition. It has been a while since I read one your goodbye poems, they never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI've been so busy, I guess like everyone else Betsy. Thank you for remembering!
DeleteThanks once again for sharing your Goodbye poems. They have so much meaning and I know they will be cherished by your family when you get them put together.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy. I know you have your share of goodbyes, too.
DeleteOhhh, it's coming all too soon for me, and I'm NOT ready! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteSorry, but it's a good thing too, just sad for us. Thanks, Ruth
DeleteThanks for sharing this with us, Linda. I'm especially touched by:
ReplyDelete>>memorize his being<<
Can so relate.
You're welcome. Some of us can understand; other will.
DeleteGoodbyes... bittersweet at best. Thank you for sharing this touching poem. It rings so true AND is very well-written--worthy of publication. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliment. I appreciate it.
Delete"Memorize his being" this phrase has something special in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaana.
Deleteoh Linda, what a poignant poem! It really tugged at my heart. (I know my mom feels just this way about me!) I think this is my favorite of all the poems you've shared with us! :-)
ReplyDeleteI imagine your mother can understand well, but it's lovely that you're so close (in many ways). Thanks, Jennifer!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful project idea. Your grandkids will be able to cherish those poems. I love this one! The last line was wonderful and I am sure many mothers feel this same sentiment.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea. I have ten now, so will wait a while to see what the next year brings, especially the ages changing in my grandchildren.
DeleteThis one made me cry Linda! I have enjoyed reading your many goodbye poems, but this one got to me. It took me back to leaving for college...I was very homesick my first semester. Your words took me right back to those feelings. It also made me flash forward to my children going off into the world. I can't even imagine yet.
ReplyDeleteOh Robin, it is a big step for all of us, isn't it, sad, but happy all at the same time. You have some years left for all of it. I remember leaving for college still.
DeleteI often end up in tears at your blog, Linda! (But in a good way....) My youngest, my son, is off to college his coming fall (like Tabatha's oldest). Must add my cheers for your line, "memorize his being" - that's what I feel like I'm trying to do these days!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Robyn-best to your son for his big transition!
DeleteI have not read your Goodbye Poems" series. I am so glad I got to read this today. Thanks for all of your support during this writing challenge.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Deborah. I'll get to your blog soon. Busy day!
DeleteSaying goodbye when our children leave is always difficult. You have captured the emotions in just a few words. |Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beverley. I suspect you know what I mean with these words.
DeleteLinda, this is so true! You have captured in a few lines deep emotion. The tight construction helps us feel your control, how you're holding those feelings in and not showing them until your son is gone. Your poem reminded me of one I read by Jeanne Murray Walker. It's actually online, HERE, at the bottom of the page ("To My Son Off to College").
ReplyDeleteOh, wonderful, Violet. Thank you for the link. I appreciate your words!
DeleteI always love your good-bye poems. You have such a way of weaving those good-byes into a memory we can all share.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb.
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteOh, this brings me back to a few goodbyes. Powerful! I felt like I was right there with you in that moment.
Cathy
Thanks Cathy. I guess you've had a few yourself.
DeleteThis could be my mom, standing at the door waving goodbye to my brother and me, holding back the tears until the car has disappeared from view. You captured a mother's heart perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Lee. As I said above, all moms go through it, & yet we are proud to see our children grow up & flourish. Such a hard thing.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous son you have, Linda. Raring to go as you gave him wings to fly. I feel fortunate that I still have a few more years to enjoy my eleven year old daughter. I do know that the world owns her, and that soon I'd be saying my goodbyes too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Myra!
Delete