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Monday, December 14, 2015

Blackman's Point

Credit to Robin, from Your Daily Dose, who reminded me a while back how important writing poems is to me sometimes.  I wrote a few this spring, two of which I actually submitted for publication.  They weren't selected...so I'll publish one here.  Recognize this.  The piece is sad, yes, but a release for me, and I am glad to have written it in honor of my sister, who we lost in May.








 


Blackman's Point

Not what you planned
when you maxed out
credit cards
to buy
a trailer home
one row back
from the sea.
Monthly interest
secured a shush
and slurry ocean,
the rain refrain
of pebbles,
awning flap-ups,
goosebumps
off the water,
green-head curses
from the marshland
behind.
All year long
you counted to Spring,
for packing the car,
climbing grey-stained steps,
unlocking the door,
built-in table, bed,
airplane bath,
the beagle from
the next door RV
whimpering at dawn.
Even tarnished
by chemo,
the trailer wheels
rusted from salt,
you thrilled
at the purchase,
never wanting
to leave
the sun, earth,
cinnamon smell
of beach plum roses,
a high tide line
tumbled with stone.

During the last winter,
we rinsed pink pails of bile,
tempted you with
delicacies you could
no longer chew,
cringed at the erosion
of your flesh,
and still you plucked
at the bedspread,
planning summer,
refusing to concede to
any finish, but to
make your way
to the trailer,
and so, in the end,
we took you to
the white beach light.

12 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

She had a favorite place and you honored that.

Joanne said...

powerful poem and such a tribute. thanks for sharing with us

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

How beautiful and bittersweet. The ocean seems eternal and perhaps that's why so many love it.

Robin said...

I think your poems are lovely (and leave me with a FEELING so they accomplish the "goal").

I understand why she loved the ocean. It's so peaceful. It also reminds me that I'm just a small part of a very large world.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

So sorry about the loss of your sister. Your poem honored her so well. Having a special place gives a person peace. It sounds like her place gave her a lot of peace.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Absolutely beautiful. I can't write anything else because I am crying for your loss.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Beautiful. I didn't know her, or really you, but wanted to cry.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Liza - that was a poem of love ... so special. Your sister obviously was so passionate about Blackman's Point ... the sound of the Ocean ... 'home' as it was home ... and now she's there once again and this time for ever more. So lovely ... thank you for sharing, yet the sadness of loss - still the blessing of life ever after ... with thoughts - Hilary

Connie said...

Such a poignant piece but beautifully written. Writing can be a catharsis for me, as well. The last line is especially lovely.

Pixel Peeper said...

Tears in my eyes.

klahanie said...

Dear Liza,

What a powerful, emotive, poignant poem in dedication to the loss of your beloved sister. Words of therapy and the verbalisation, a tonic for your heart and soul.

Thank you.

Gary

Kittie Howard said...

OMG, such a powerful poem! Love fills every word. My eyes misted over. I'm sorry about your sister, Liza. What a painful period, what a loss. My heart goes out to you. May warm memories fill your heart this Christmas and bring a smile of love remembered. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Liza!