I don't remember if I hugged you
before I shoe-horned that old suitcase
(I'm sure that it was broken,
because I do remember twine)
...
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A loving tribute to the person who held your hand as you learned to walk the rocky paths of life. How can such devotion and sacrifice be repaid? I'm sure she would be delighted by your poem in her honor. Written with tender emotion and heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you, Lora. Yes, it is difficult to know how to give back to someone who gave her all. I owe her everything. Be blessed, dear friend!
Neal, this is a beautiful touching poem with brilliant descriptive words...I'm left starring at the photo below...an Ode to your mom. As a parent I would think that is the ultimate gift...Just knowing your kids appreciated and acknowledged the sacrifices you made it's unconditional love.
neal, for me this is the best of your longer poems that i've read so far. it's entirely accessible. and poignant. first line that stands out- precisely rationed small talk. and the rest of that stanza is excellent- tin-foiled sandwiches is descriptive and economical, wrapped up like a newspaper on the porch step of tomorrow- a great image. banquet of our broken dreams is another great image. and for all its richness this poem still feels, for me, compact and understated because of the realities and relationship described in it. impressed, glen p.s. on a similar theme, but with his wry humor, see billy collins' poem the lanyard if you don't already know it. -g