Speak of me, think of me often.
Always remember I don’t and never did
ask for your pity.
I had no regrets, no axe to grind. Not then
not now. You took me as you found me.
Loved me or loathed me.
It was your choice. What you saw, exactly
what you got. No great shakes. No big surprises.
Where love was concerned I took two bites of the apple
but the core was rotten through and through.
And yet, I lived life to the full because,
not in spite of. The gift of life doesn’t come
fancy packaged, ribbon tied or with guarantees
so why should I feel hard done by?
Butterflies and bees don’t think
in months, years or centuries
but in moments. The distance
from pansy to sweet-pea.
What was good enough for them
was more than good enough for me.
The light that was me will never burn out.
Look beyond your tears and you will see it.
Even now, when the unforgiving light of day,
would do its best to blind you, I still shine on.
Only cast your eyes to the horizon.
There I will be, where it is ever
that first blush of dawn.
This … here … now is all we have.
Grab it, like I did, with both hands.
Comments
tamara (not verified) | October 2, 2008 - 19:29
Breath-taking word for word.clean,pristine,absolutely one of my favourites by you Tina,Well done.
Silver Spun Sand | October 2, 2008 - 19:56
And your words mean more than you could possibly know(literally).
Thank you, Tamara.
Tina
Nathan Bednarek | October 2, 2008 - 21:26
Very beautiful Tina. I agree with Tamara, this is definitely one of your best and there's a lot of them. ;-) I love these two stanzas:
'Where love was concerned I took two bites of the apple
but the core was rotten through and through.
And yet, I lived life to the full because,
not in spite of. The gift of life doesn’t come
fancy packaged, ribbon tied or with guarantees
so why should I feel hard done by?'
This is genius Tina style! ;-D
As always, your work inspires us day by day... literally. ;-x
Nathan.
Bradene | October 3, 2008 - 09:39
You absolutely know how I feel about this Tina, it gets to me every time I read it Val x
anipani | October 3, 2008 - 11:32
'Butterflies and bees don’t think
in months, years or centuries
but in moments. The distance
from pansy to sweet-pea. '
Will live with me. Thanks for a wonderful moment.
Silver Spun Sand | October 3, 2008 - 12:48
Thank you so much Nathan.
It is interesting that you mention the word, 'inspiration'. My inspiration for this poem was my daughter. She was the best teacher one could ever have on getting the most out of life.
Tina:-)x
Silver Spun Sand | October 3, 2008 - 12:49
Yes, I sure do Val and thank you so very much for reading this again. More than appreciated.
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | October 3, 2008 - 12:50
Anipani - you picked my favourite lines too. Thanks for reading and for your words.
Tina
MistakenMagic | October 3, 2008 - 16:08
'Speak of me, think of me often.' was a brilliant opening, sounds sort of like song lyrics and the line struck a chord with me straight away - no idea why :) Love the imagery of light and dawn, beautiful word choice, overall an excellent poem!
Ewan | October 4, 2008 - 08:05
I can't remember who it was, (lazy of me not to try and find out, I know) but someone on a forum asked for suggestions for a poem (and not the FWAAF one) that someone might read at a funeral.
I tell you sincerely, I would really love this one to be read out at mine: so I'm not offering any crit, no "wow! I loved that simile, this metaphor". Take this emotional reaction as it is meant. I loved this poem.
Get this published somewhere, please.
Ewan.
Silver Spun Sand | October 4, 2008 - 09:33
Thank you kindly, Magic. I am so pleased that it 'struck the right chord' for you:-)
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | October 4, 2008 - 12:17
Ewan - I have been writing poetry for a long time now and I don't think that anyone has ever paid me a nicer compliment about any of my poems than you just have.
Thank you for your words.
Tina
MistakenMagic | October 5, 2008 - 21:13
I just returned to say I read this poem again today and I fully agree with Ewan, I would love this to be read at my funeral. It actually brought tears to my eyes second time round - it's truly beautiful Tina! I'm just wondering where the cherry is :)
Magic x
tcook | October 6, 2008 - 07:36
It's right here! A bit behind on the old spike but catching up fast.
Silver Spun Sand | October 6, 2008 - 09:03
And quite yummy it is too, Tony:-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | October 6, 2008 - 14:59
Magic - you certainly are that!! You wiggled your nose and hey presto - the cherry appeared!!
Seriously though, thank you for your words. You have paid me a great compliment with them and it means so much.
This poem was inspired by jottings in my daughter's diaries, which she had asked us to read after her death. This really was her philosopy on life and she will ever be my inspiration and hopefully, that of many others.
Tina x