It's Poetry Friday, and Tanita S. Davis is hosting HERE at {fiction! instead of Lies}! It's time for a Poetry Sisters challenge,
Here's is the challenge I copied last month from Laura Purdie Salas:
If you’d like to write with us in November, here’s our mission: Pluck a line or a theme from Jane Hirshfield’s “Two Versions,” and let that inspire your poem. I don’t find an online version easily available, so I’ll give you the first two lines:
“In the first version I slept by a stream.
All night awake things traveled near.”
Be sure to share your poem on Friday, November 29th, and use #poetrypals if you share it on social.
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| Stream at Longcarne Farm - geograph.org.uk - 3958015.jpg |
I wrote about my husband last time, too. November and December bring more memories of him. This year's end bring his birthday, other family celebrations, and the holidays, so full of the traditions and special times we created together. Here is the poem, dear Poetry sisters, from the prompt you gave us.
More of November
“In the first version, I slept by a stream.
I dreamed.
And there you were, cuddled close,
Warming me, keeping us safe
From the world’s dangers.
Then, the second version took over.
My back chilled.
You were swept away, they said
Into a journey all alone, no goodbyes
That time, but this I know:
Someday, I’ll find the right stream,
and we’ll lie down together,
Like that first version!
Linda Baie ©
Oh Linda! Such a beautiful poem. And heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda, for bringing/sharing these tender, heartfelt moments in your poem, they wrap around and bring us in, as your poem wraps around full circle, ❤️🩹 xox
ReplyDeleteThe structure of two contrasting dreams couldn't be more poignant. May you heart take you to the right stream and may you have sweet dreams.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marcie, Michelle, & Tanita! I appreciate your sweet comments.
ReplyDeleteWow, how poignant, Linda. I feel your grief after these years. I feel the loss and longing.
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, when you write about your husband, it's so clear how alive your love still is. What a lovely poem--and that "swept away" does chill me immediately...Sending love. xo, Laura
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jone & Laura! Your comments feel very good!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda... the container of Hirshfield's poem holds your own experience so tenderly. Thanks for writing along with us.
ReplyDeleteOh Linda this is so bittersweet and lovely. Thank you! xo
ReplyDeleteSo sad...and yet so hopeful. I love that you keep his memory alive in your poetry!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else's comments, Linda. We can feel that "swept away" loss. xo
ReplyDeleteIt's been a full weekend, so I'm late to thank you, Liz, Irene, Mary Lee, and Tabatha, but it's nice to read your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, this is so lovely, and sad, and ultimately hopeful for a life together beyond all that we have to go through here. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen!
DeleteLinda, I read your poem several times over the weekend but realized that I did not send my response off to you. Your poem is a tender love poem sharing memories and wishes. May your celebrations this month bring more memories of family love.
ReplyDeleteYou are dear to come by, Carol! Wishing you lovely memories, past & this holiday!
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