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ChrisGeorge
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« on: March 27, 2011, 05:37:45 PM » |
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First Spring Without You, Mother
After our harsh Maryland winter, I drive around
the lakes of Homeland: Houdini-like, daffodils peek
yellow from the bank; two Canada geese drift
princely on the water-lily pool (they mate
for life, they say); I showed you the same two geese
last Spring on one of our last outings from
your nursing home: how much "nursing", how much "home"?
Were draconian measures really on the table? Would I really
have smothered you, Mother? I considered driving us both
into Loch Raven to escape the rising tide
of medical bills; finally, instead, the splendid release
and pain of your death -- God's golden handshake!
Christopher T. George
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« Last Edit: March 28, 2011, 01:59:25 PM by ChrisGeorge »
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dave eberhardt
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« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2011, 10:39:06 PM » |
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Wow- Chris- yes yes- would Obama care have helped? I imagine even that might have had shortcomings-I'd like to see God's leaden dope slap to our system and its politicians.
This kind of poem- so personal- raises the bar- in my opinion. I do not quarrel w the "personal" school- like Plath or Lowell.
They weren't personal enough
dave
my mom died 4 years ago march 22nd, 2oo7- she was at Loch Raven- a very good hospice- i think she had my dad's towson state and church benefits
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frog in bog
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dannen
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« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2011, 11:40:05 PM » |
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Chris,
As usual this vey personal glimpse is beautiful.
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I always want honest constructive critique.
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alias shifter
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« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2011, 01:40:02 AM » |
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touching piece
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all rights reserved
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azure
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« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2011, 02:33:39 AM » |
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Memories of places you saw together, and a year without her. It is good to remember the happy times.
Choices-you made what was right to do. We will never know these things, but can only do our best for them. I will never know, but he has lived six years and can be semi-ambulatory, talk a few sentences, laugh at something silly, and needs care like a toddler. I hope he will die at home when the time comes, and it may be many years. It was the best choice I could think of, and still wonder what would have happened if I had made a different decision at some point in time.
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ChrisGeorge
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« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2011, 02:28:11 PM » |
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Many thanks, Dave, dannen, alias, and azure Thanks also for the reflections on your similar situation... it's hard on the offspring for sure to see them decline.  Chris |
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MikeMonroe
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« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2011, 06:36:58 PM » |
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Great poem and imagery. I love the images of spring evoked. And I'm happy to hear it seems you've come to terms with your loss. Very nice poem. I love "God's golden handshake." Is that something you came up with or an allusion to something? Either way, it's great.
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Paint pictures with words.
The establishment is a shortcut around thought and responsibility.
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ChrisGeorge
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« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2011, 12:42:30 AM » |
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Thanks, Mike. "Golden handshake" is a term used in England when someone retires and gets a retirement gift, a watch or something like that. I adapted the idea to make it about death.
Chris
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theirishsea
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« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2011, 03:50:04 PM » |
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A complex poem---a complexity of contradicting emotions. Excellent poem.
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emel
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« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2011, 07:38:33 PM » |
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When I die I can only hope my sons are as kind, creative, sensitive and noble as you, Chris.
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war is not the answer - Marvin Gaye
but it's not the question either - ML
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ChrisGeorge
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« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2011, 07:20:38 PM » |
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Thanks for your kind words, Dan and Scott.  Chris |
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