“And I said to the man who stood
at the gate of the year, give me a light,
that I may tread safely into the unknown...”
Minnie Louise Haskins 1875 - 1957
‘Lights of Love’ – burning
on a hospice tree, as they did,
every year; each with their own
special message to someone
long gone from here.
Preparations made – tension
mounting; the stage all set,
metaphorically speaking.
Just a local radio recording,
broadcast live on Christmas Eve.
All the staff and patients,
their families and friends,
gathered round with bated
breath. Bowls of punch
and homemade mince pies...
but I was petrified. Couldn’t eat
a thing; my hands atremble –
throat, dry as the Sahara.
“It’ll be fine,” they tried
to reassure me, topping up
my glass with sparkling wine.
Then, they wheeled her in –
pretty as a picture in a favourite
crimson dress; her hands, steady
as a rock, holding a bible.
Luke, Chapter Two, verses one
to nineteen, waiting to be read...
She whispered in my ear, said,
“Calm down. Who’s reading this;
you or me? ‘Mind over matter’ –
isn’t that what you taught us?”
Just like my daughter to put me
in my place – get the last word in.
And read she did, her voice –
so loud, so clear – belying
the pain she felt inside,
and at the end, no one
was dry-eyed, as we rose
to our feet and applauded.
So, Christmas came and went,
but on that New Year’s Eve,
some three years ago now,
the road she travelled – none
could follow where she led.
Comments
Highhat | January 9, 2011 - 20:38
Very touching Tina- thank you for touching me
;)Pia
Cavalcaderl | January 9, 2011 - 21:31
new Silver-Spun-Sand
A very beautiful poem for the (IP)
I have been waiting for your's.
stanzas 6 and 7
Then they wheeled her in
pretty as a picture,I bet she was.
stanz 7 she read her bible
so loud and clear
Luke 2 1-19
made me get my bible out.
I have tears in my eyes
and lump in my throat
julie xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 9, 2011 - 21:39
I guess it's only by reaching out to others, that we ourselves find comfort, so maybe it is I, who should thank you;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | January 9, 2011 - 21:41
She really did do so very well. I was more proud of her than you could possibly imagine. Or maybe you could.
Thanks for reading, Julie and your kind words.
Tina xx
fatboy74 | January 9, 2011 - 23:12
A wonderful retelling of what must have been both joyous and heartbraking. Thank you for sharing the moment Tina. All the best Fatboy. :-)
Cavalcaderl | January 10, 2011 - 00:10
new Silver-Spun-Sand
Yes,you are so right!
Well I have along the way
now in past,no cure read so many
books on healing,when I could at last
concentrate on people's lives.And being
there like you say in lot's of things since
a child, and upwards still in life,gives one
compassion for other's,mine hasn't got it.
I know you have.But it's like you have ABC written
on those finger tips,and I wonder who gave you that
great talent.Plus beds I have now sat beside.
I won't bore you,but the poems are so magnetic you write is that the word.Enthusiasm,vibrancy colour.
Although m how cn I say, impossible in danger or help me.That's another story.I don't think anyone can
forget but sounds to a very wonderful clever person
and beautiful,to all known her.We had close relation touch and go baby... now over 40 amazing.30 years,suddenly mine goes off,2nd time.I find out I am not on deeds,amazing.Priests always been there me
more than 16 years church.Changed over fabulous things happen.Astral flying have you heard of that?
Nor did I but happened.,Much much more.Thanks to you
comfort to all,gradually letting out tale hear and there not to much.Came back,now it's done. One never knows do they.But he will bring me to London,did you know.Gobsmacked.
Thankyou people like you,that can and do hlep other's.
Time for bed now,sleep well.
julie xx
all the best.
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 07:52
Thanks, fb.
Tina;-)
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 07:54
Thanks for your words, Julie.
Tina xx
skinner_jennifer | January 10, 2011 - 10:39
Hi Tina,
It takes so much courage to read in front of an
audience. Your daughter must have made you really
proud.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 10:43
She did, Jenny. Oh yes...she did;-)
Tina
seashore | January 10, 2011 - 12:59
One word Tina - wonderful. Cx
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 13:23
Thank you. Tx
Beeme | January 10, 2011 - 16:37
Extremely touching, poignant and moving Tina. I really enjoyed. Beautifully told, as always.
Beeme xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 16:39
Thanks so much, Beeme. More than appreciated;-)
Tina xx
MistakenMagic | January 10, 2011 - 20:51
Another beautiful and moving tribute, Tina. I could see everything played out in my head - and that last line, so perfect - strikes just the right note! Well done :)
Magic xxx
Silver Spun Sand | January 10, 2011 - 21:12
Much appreciated, Magic. Thank you;-)
Tina xxx
Cavalcaderl | January 11, 2011 - 09:42
Silver-Spun-Sand
Great tribute love and memories
of love and care! Also love the
new Title now.
take care,especially for (IP)
julie xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 11, 2011 - 10:45
Thanks, Julie;-)
Tina xx