‘Lights of Love’ – burning
on a hospice tree, as they did,
each year; star-bright, they shone
for someone special, long-gone
from there.
But presently, the stage is set –
metaphorically speaking; tension
mounting. A radio recording,
to be broadcast on Christmas Eve
from their little chapel.
Staff, and patients gather round...
families and friends. Bowls of punch,
and mince pies... but I’m petrified.
Can’t eat a thing; all atremble –
my throat, dry as the Kalahari.
“Don’t worry. She’ll be fine,”
the nurses try to reassure me,
topping up my glass with still more
sparkling wine.
And there she is – script in hand;
steady as a rock; dressed in red.
A Leo, through and through; such
a fighter! Luke, Chapter Two, Verses
one to nineteen, begging to be read...
“Calm down, for goodness sake!”
she says. “Who’s reading this?
You, or me? ‘Mind over matter’ –
isn’t that what you taught us kids?”
And read she did. Her voice –
so strong, so clear – belying
the turmoil inside.
For the past twenty years,
she’d grown tired – weary
of all who’d come with words;
words, but no language.
There are no figures of speech –
no metaphors, hyperboles or similes,
in Mandarin, Urdu, or double Dutch;
nothing anyone can say, makes any sense
to a nineteen year old, told they have
incurable cancer.
***
Not the words she read,
that afternoon, three years ago,
I remember...Just her courage,
when she spoke them.
Comments
Highhat | October 8, 2011 - 12:39
Beautiful Tina. Yes I am speechless. Words just aren't enough. Hug from me.
;)Pia
skinner_jennifer | October 8, 2011 - 14:59
Hello Tina,
this really tugged at my heart strings, especially
that first stanza:-
'Lights of Love - burning
on a hospice tree, as they did,
each year; star-bright they shone
for someone special, long-gone
from there.
I could just picture the scene in that little chapel,
with everyone standing round waiting to hear the
voice of one, who I think is your daughter.
Thankyou for sharing this piece, I think it was
probably a hard one to write, but I'm glad you did.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | October 8, 2011 - 15:05
Thank you, Pia, for reading,and for the hugs;-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | October 8, 2011 - 15:06
Thanks, Jenny, and again, you think correctly;-)
Your words more than appreciated.
Tina
Mangone | October 9, 2011 - 10:14
Sorry I've only just got around to reading this Tina...
I missed it somehow but I'm very pleased I've finally found it!
I think they gave me your cherry by mistake!
Silver Spun Sand | October 9, 2011 - 12:03
Many thanks for your words, Mangone. They mean very much;-)
Tina
Cavalcaderl | October 9, 2011 - 12:45
new Silver-Spun-Sand
Tina, may I say.
What! and excellent way of writer's
words you have. On a very sad subject.
A most wonderful talented daughter Andrea so young!
To suffer so much! But it's liked she is with
you giving the word's to put,and write like you
do in all your wonderful poems.What courage she had.
Hugs and blessings from me.
I can imagine the chapel and the candles and love
all shown to. Sun is shining.May it shine for you!
julie xx
Silver Spun Sand | October 9, 2011 - 13:46
Thank you, Julie. Very much.
Tina xx
Mangone | October 9, 2011 - 19:56
Ah, I see the cherry, like me, was just a little late in arriving, Tina ;O)
Prettyrose | October 9, 2011 - 21:16
Hi Silver Spun Sand :)
Brilliant and so easy to understand without needing to sit for ages trying too figure out what big words mean :)
well done you really are a brilliant talented writer :)
keep writing
keep smiling :)
Silver Spun Sand | October 10, 2011 - 06:53
Better late than never, Mangone;-)
Tina;-)
Silver Spun Sand | October 10, 2011 - 07:59
Thanks, Prettyrose. Pleased this one spoke to you in a down to earth kind of way. That's me...all over, and I'm glad it's you too;-)
Tina;-)
Richard L. Prov... | October 10, 2011 - 11:33
Meaningful words, like an avalanche of cherries, until the juiciest one pops into place. Great writing. Richard LP.
Silver Spun Sand | October 10, 2011 - 11:55
Thanks, Richard, for your lovely words. Worthy of a cherry itself;-) Pleased you enjoyed.
Tina