2022 prompt/hour 11: “In memory of Helen”
I walk there, to see her – taking a folding chair
I cannot go in – between covid and cancer treatment it isn’t safe
I sit beneath her verandah – she on her own chair, well above
Telling her stories of the very odd and strange things that happen at work
Telling them as well as I can from a ‘safe’ distance
Telling the stories with the uglier parts buffed out
Telling them with a pleasing light shone on the more amusing elements
Knowing it’s worth it …
Her face scrunching in joy
Her shoulders beginning to hunch and shake …
Her head then releasing back as her joy is shared with the sky
There were fewer of those days
As time wore you down – but I appreciated them all
Though I do recall that one with the most fondness
The clear, true sound in your voice at the absurdity of life
I shall not forget it
I miss that sound
I miss you
Merry – LordCricket 2022 poetry marathon
Ah, Merry,
I cried reading this. covid and cancer hit me as a reader, yet your description of the verandah visit is lovely and hopeful. Each time, a different friend’s memory/face came with “scrunching in joy” and made this for everyone even though this is about your own loved one. “I shall not forget it” is a lesson I take upo reading this multiple times. These many months have been terrible, yes, but there were precious and beautiful moments which I hope will stay with me.
I love Jan’s comments on your poem, Merry! I agree – it was uplifting in a time when so much was hard in our world – to know you gave Helen those moments and that her laughter stays with you, now!!