I'm itching to say,
“Frank died –
two years ago.
Don’t you remember?”
Only, she doesn’t,
of course...
No more
than she knows
she’s asked me that
for the umpteenth time.
Or the fact today’s
her sixtieth birthday;
tea and scones
with strawberry jam.
I tuck the blanket
around her legs.
Instead, I tell her,
“Frank? He’s fine; sends
all his love, Mum.”
She smiles;
pats my hand.
A Saturday afternoon
by the River Ouse
on Bedford's embankment.
Watching the swans,
watching us. Swimming
in circles.
Comments
hilary west | December 12, 2009 - 19:58
A lovely wistful poem, full of atmosphere in a few lines !
Silver Spun Sand | December 12, 2009 - 21:25
Thank you, Hilary. Your words mean much.
Tina
MistakenMagic | December 13, 2009 - 09:12
I remember this one Tina! I love its tenderness - it truly is a beauty! And the last line; 'swimming in circles' is just a brilliant image to sum everything up!
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | December 13, 2009 - 14:04
Hi Magic - yes, I turned this one upside down, and shook it so to speak. I think it is much improved now and I'm really glad you enjoyed it. Have a great Sunday;-)
Tina xxx
shoe | December 13, 2009 - 16:19
thoughtful and tender, :-)
Silver Spun Sand | December 13, 2009 - 17:30
Thank you, shoe and so was your lovely comment;-)
Tina
Beeme | December 13, 2009 - 18:39
Th last lines are perfect. I remember the poem, it's so beautiful Tina. Well done on the cherry.
Beeme xx
Silver Spun Sand | December 13, 2009 - 18:40
Beeme - thank you and thank you for remembering it too;-) Have a sunny week.
Tina xx
Nathan Bednarek | December 13, 2009 - 22:37
There's so much depth in this piece, even though it's describing a very small moment in time. Enjoyed. Well done.
Nathan.
Silver Spun Sand | December 13, 2009 - 23:16
Thank you, Nathan. It is always the moments we remember. Not the days.
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | December 14, 2009 - 09:11
Thank you, Julie.
Yes it is a true story, but it combines the life of a special auntie and my mother, who had Alzheimers from the age of 50 until she died at 64. My auntie, on the other hand, developed it in her early eighties, and managed to live at home until the last few years of her life. She lived in Bedford and the river was her joy - feeding the swans etc.
Glad you enjoyed it. Have a good week;-)
Tina xx
Cavalcaderl | December 14, 2009 - 14:52
new Silver-Spun-Sand
hello'! congratulations
on the well earn't cherry.
true what you say?
an my friend Frank may years is slowing
slowing down.Frank's very popular name!
So annoyed mine won't come shopping, not
getting any younger shame I miss it. Been
Carol service sung my head of good.
take care.It was in paper and photo's
yuoung lad's etc; over 21 live at home still
and mum does all washing etc;
I know that makes a rod for the person's back
who or when they marry !wrong training.They never
want to leave, and nothing is right compared to mother's ways.and waiting upon them mostly even in
hospital he was,poured drink and wanted cut up his food.I was livid.quite so? Bussed and ran up there.
talked to join in not knowing what to expect after 3rd road accident.Motor-bike.Not got one now thank goodness.
cavalcader julie (:-xx