If only I could write poetry…

Dec 1, 2014 | 8 comments

Sunrise Over Willapa Bay

Sunrise Over Willapa Bay

Dawn

at the lip of the world
dawn flutters, halfborn,
pumping its wings

Jimella slips through
with feet of foam
walking on the waters

striding over the hills
sun greets the cedar
the bay wakes to another day

– Cate Gable

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of Jimella’s death, a date I had forgotten (or perhaps repressed) as this past year unfolded with loss after loss pummeling us relentlessly. When Cate sent her poem, all of those missing friends came into aching focus – our neighbor Carol, my soul mate Gordon, my brother-in-law-for-life, Jim.

If I could write poetry, I, too, would pen a tribute to each of them. I’d write about how, in life, mention of Jimella always brought Nanci to mind. But, in death, my thoughts fly to the other loved ones who followed her to who-knows-where. But I’m not a poet.  So… thank you, Cate! Thanks for the gentle reminder of the passing days and the bright memories that I hope will remain unblurred by the persistent tears of time.

8 Comments

  1. Cate Gable

    Sydney: This blog is poetry! Thank you, C

    Reply
  2. Nancy Russell stone

    I agree with Cate…This blog is poetry.

    Reply
  3. Stephanie Frieze

    I third that. This IS poetry.

    Reply
  4. Pam

    I agree, too. You are poetry in motion—all the way around!!

    Reply
  5. Jean stamper

    How beautiful Sydney, thank you for sharing..I agree with Cate your blog always piques my interest, answers many questions and brings light onto my day. If that isn’t poetry what is?

    Reply
  6. Cate Gable

    Well, and, duh, I do want a little credit for the poem part of your poemy blog…LOL!!

    Reply
    • sydney

      Cate, you get full credit for sure! Part of this ‘discussion’ (the part in my head) goes back to a long talk I had with Bob Pyle — about poets we admire, how to write poetry and, indeed, just what poetry is! And we (or maybe I) talked about my feelings of inadequacy in any poetic attempt. So, thanks again for allowing me to quote a real poet (you!) and a real poem (yours!)

      Reply
  7. Cate Gable

    Sydney: OK my fragile ego is soothed. But really, my friend, if my little poem is a cut in the rough, you set it perfectly.

    C

    Reply

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