Inspired by Mrs Snail’s post in which she is responding to Nerd in the Brain who invites us to post about 3 things we are grateful for:
I was listening to a BBC Radio 4 Programme which is part of a marvellous series entitled “A Portrait Of…”
The artist Fiona Graham-Mackay is painting a series of portraits, in this programme her sitter was Imtiaz Dharker a multi-talented artist. I don’t know exactly what it was about the programme that lit a spark of inspiration in me but this poem popped out onto the page and I would like to share it with you …..
~
The Family Together
in my children
I see my departed husband
they are his age now
mostly I see the parts of him I loved
his profile, his smile, his thoughtful frown, his humour
and charisma, yes charisma
rarely do I wince at a difficult memory
thankfully very rarely
he is not here to share our grandchildren
in them I see mainly me
not him – not yet
in photos, their blond curls
seem to match the pepper and salt of my used-to-be dark auburn hair
people say they look like me
some with blue eyes
some with brown and one with green
in them I feel a joyful energetic future
I sit at a tipping point
as my mother lies dying
I watch and wonder how will dying be for me
how will it be for my children to see my decline
will sparkly threads of happy memories
cheer us through those days
the afterlife
solely
yes soul-ly
within the hearts of others
© Sandra Dorey 14.June.16
This poem is packed with things I am grateful for, my children, my grandchildren, the fact that I have lived through some tricky times and can truly enjoy this calmer aftermath; and although my relationship with my Mum has not always been easy, I am grateful that I have had her through my life, when so many of my friends have not had their Mums around. I’m enjoying this precious time immensely and daily give thanks for that.
As Mrs Snail says “Let’s share the love”!
~
Ravelry
Wild Daffodil 
I didn’t realize it was your poem until I reached the end. Very special Sandra. There’s a common thread of joy-filled appreciation and honest self/life reflection in the posts of fellow bloggers I am reading today. I am enjoying them immensely. Praise for the inspiration that put these words in your heart. Xx
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Thank you Melissa. Creativity springs from so many sources doesn’t it. I love the way you have with words -” joy-filled appreciation and honest self/life reflection” – so beautifully put and sums up what I wanted to convey and what I enjoy in the work of others. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment, when time is at a premium for you right now, thank you. ❤
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What a thoughtful, and thought-provoking, poem. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Cathy. I heard Antony Gormley say that “art is for sharing” last night on theTV. It is good to hear how it landed with you, thank you, I do appreciate it.
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How wonderful to find myself here today discovering your lovely poem.
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You are so very welcome Deborah. 🙂
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Such a thoughtful, interesting poem. I can see my husband in my children too either physically or personality wise.
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Thank you for your comment RainbowJ. It catches me unawares at times and for some years it was difficult but now I am comfortable with it. I hope you are too.
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what a lovely touching poem, though the difficult times come through it is the love and devotion that shine out, thanks for sharing, Frances
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I really appreciate your response Frances, so happy with what you have written, thank you. I don’t write poems very often, but sometimes they seem to demand to be written and it feels good to share them, if slightly unnerving. ❤
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I caught a part of that programme with Fiona Graham-Mackay – it was very good. I liked what she said about the portrait being more about the artist than the sitter.
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I loved their conversation, I’ve just listened to it again. I listened to the Andrew Motion one as well and can’t wait for the next one. Fiona G-M sounds like such a delightful person.
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Oh my that is very poignant. I too feel very grateful for life and will be joining shortly with my three.
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Thank you for your comment Cathy, looking forward to reading your TTT post.
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What a beautiful and moving poem… I’m trying not to cry!
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Thank you Jan, it is lovely to know the poem resonated with you.
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