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Thursday, May 30, 2024

Poetry Friday - Body Parts - Unseen, but Felt

 

created by Linda Mitchell


It's Poetry Friday, and Janice Scully, is hosting HERE on her blog, Salt City Verse.  Her post today celebrate's Carol Labuzzetta's new poetry anthology and showcases some wonderful nature poems from it! In a bit of a chuckle, Janice also writes about patience and, yes, impatiens! Thanks for hosting us, Janice! 



The challenge here at the end of May from the #PoetrySisters: "In May we’re writing in the style of Lucille Clifton and are writing poem about body parts ala "Homage to My Hips." Are you in? Good! You have a month to craft your creation and share it on May 31st in a post and/or on social media with the tag #PoetryPals. We look forward to reading your poems!" 

       Whew, like Lucille Clifton! That's my first thought. But I read many poems by her and wondered what and where I could find my words. Then May happened. Here's what I have, no picture, only reflecting. I've had three friends pass away this May, full of sadness for their families and for me, too. I am grateful beyond measure to have known each one and had many joyful times with each, though it has been a bit overwhelming to know each one is gone and to find ways to think of the loss. I have written of what has been a special  "body part" during this month.

This Body Part, My Heart

 

Despair stays wrapped 

and stored away

at the bottom of my heart.

Sometimes it startles me

by mingling with joy and gratitude.

I know my life is more than 

a box of despair.

Yet it appears

because I care.

 

               Linda Baie ©






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26 comments:

  1. TraceyKJMay 30, 2024 at 10:51 PM

    Oh dear, Linda, what a tragic month. I am so sorry for all the loss you’ve endured. Your poem captures so well the mingling of despair, joy, and gratitude of losing a friend while appreciating that they were part of your life. Sending hugs!

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  2. Linda MitchellMay 31, 2024 at 3:37 AM

    What a mountain of emotion you've had to climb. My goodness, three friends. I'm sorry. I cannot imagine how you must feel. Please take care of yourself right now. Thank goodness you write poetry...you've put some of that grief into beautiful words and lines that I know I've felt at times in my life and that helps me. The startling of joy and the despair...they are all there. Great poem, terrible circumstance that brought it out of you. Sending you my hug.

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  3. TriciaMay 31, 2024 at 5:36 AM

    Such a devastatingly honest and lovely poem. I'm sorry for all the lost you've experienced this month. May their memories be a blessing to you.

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  4. Liz Garton ScanlonMay 31, 2024 at 6:53 AM

    Oh my goodness, Linda. I'm sorry for all of your loss. Thank you for this lovely touchstone.

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  5. Irene LathamMay 31, 2024 at 7:24 AM

    Thinking of you and your dear heart, Linda. Thank you for your poem. xo

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  6. AnonymousMay 31, 2024 at 7:24 AM

    Sad truth shines through this reflective poem. You have cut to the heart of loss beautifully. May your way with words accompany you through your grief, and may the memories of those you've lost bring moments of joy amidst the grief. -tanita🐞

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  7. TabathaMay 31, 2024 at 8:22 AM

    Despair and gratitude, two sides of the same coin. As they say, grief is love with nowhere to go. Sending hugs (and virtual cups of tea) xo

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  8. jamaMay 31, 2024 at 8:54 AM

    Sorry to hear about your losses this month, Linda. My nephew also died a few weeks ago from brain cancer. So I totally get what you mean about despair and gratitude. Sending big hugs your way.

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  9. Denise KrebsMay 31, 2024 at 9:37 AM

    Linda, this poem of grief is striking. The despair "mingling with joy and gratitude" is what we would be destined to experience in this life because we care. Three friends in one month is heartbreaking. My condolences to you, friend.

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  10. Linda BMay 31, 2024 at 9:55 AM

    As you all read, it's been quite a month. I appreciate your comments, & sweet support. Jama, I am so sorry for your own personal loss! Thank you, everyone.

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  11. Janice ScullyMay 31, 2024 at 10:45 AM

    Several years ago I lost three women friends all in their fifties or early sixties. I understand how you feel and how mixed emotions can be. It's sad and complicated. I love how at the heart of your poem is "the mingling of joy and gratitude" in one's heart often even as we are grieving. So sorry for your recent loss, Linda.

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2024 at 6:51 AM

      Oh, Janice, I am sorry for your loss, too. Thank you for telling me and for your support.

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  12. Sally MurphyJune 1, 2024 at 12:18 AM

    Oh Linda, what a poignant poem, so aptly summing up the way grief becomes part of us.

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  13. mbhmaineJune 1, 2024 at 5:39 AM

    Oh, Linda. I'm so sorry for all the sorrow that's visited you lately. Your lovely poignant poem reminds me of the quote "Grief is love with nowhere to go."

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  14. Mary LeeJune 1, 2024 at 5:58 AM

    My heart goes out to yours.

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  15. Linda BJune 1, 2024 at 6:49 AM

    Thanks again Sally, Molly, and Mary Lee for the supporting message.

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  16. Carol VarsalonaJune 1, 2024 at 7:24 AM

    Linda, loss of friends hurts so much. I am sorry. I have felt this for many years and often look back at my own past years of loss. Your poem is tender. Your words flow like tears. "I know my life is more than/ a box of despair." Joy and gratitude bring back the happy times. May your memories fill your heart. Take care!

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  17. Patricia FranzJune 1, 2024 at 1:25 PM

    Linda, my heart goes out to you as you navigate these losses. Each one undoubtedly leaves holes in our hearts. Praying you feel your heart grow bigger around them with time.

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  18. Marcie Flinchum AtkinsJune 1, 2024 at 2:06 PM

    I'm so sorry for all of the loss you've experienced this month. That's a lot to deal with. I love that you wrote about heart!

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  19. Linda BJune 1, 2024 at 4:32 PM

    Thanks for your special comments, Carol, Patricia, and Marcie!

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  20. laurasalasJune 2, 2024 at 7:30 AM

    Oh, Linda, you have such a deep and expanding heart. Thank you for taking on the challenge. Thank you for still finding moments of joy even in a month filled with loss--and for sharing yourself and your poetry with us. Hugs, Linda!

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    Replies
    1. Linda BJune 2, 2024 at 10:55 AM

      Thank you, Laura! Wishing you a terrific beginning of summer!

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  21. Karen Edmisten June 2, 2024 at 2:26 PM

    Oh, dear Linda. I remember early in May when you mentioned having lost two dear friends. And now a third! I'm so sorry for such an avalanche of loss. What a month of grief you've had. I know that such despair is a journey — and yes, because you care, because you have an enormous heart. A beautiful poem. I'm reminded of that quote from (of all places) WandaVision: “What is grief, if not love persevering?” Hugs, friend.

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    1. Linda BJune 2, 2024 at 4:05 PM

      Thank you, Karen. Sadly, it's been a hard month! I'm hoping for a calmer June and wishing you a lovely one, too!

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  22. Michelle KoganJune 4, 2024 at 10:43 PM

    Such a full-heart-filled poem that came from your sorrow, so sorry to hear about your three friends Linda, sending hugs your way, xox.

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