In my childhood,my difficult childhood,
she was there for me.
In her decline,
her long cruel decline,
I was there for her.
But her love
was greater than mine.
She died to set me free.
..........................................................
Photo of Marjorie about 1927 with Rowdy, a name given to a long line of cattle dogs, a tradition still followed by descendaants of Irwin Turnbull of the Ebenezer Turnbulls to this day.
Written after the first anniversary of her death. She died on an anniversary of my birth aged 93, still a power to be reckoned with right to the end.
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A moving tribute, Stafford. Hope you're keeping safe and dry, where you are.
ReplyDeleteWell said Stafford
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful in its simplicity.
ReplyDeleteI see you in your mother's face ..
ReplyDeletewhat an unbreakable bond you have captured here,
ReplyDeleteshe died to set you free,
wow,
that is divine line...
Thanks a lot for the contribution to Thursday Poets Rally Week 36 hosted by Jingle.
Have fun!
A dense and complicated poem
ReplyDeletebut simple in its elegance
When someone is such a presence in our lives,yes we fear the vacuum of their absence
Truly she was loving to let go
to set you free..ah but she sensed that deep love that held on
Curious..you say it is a Christmas Epiphany
how deep..yes that is love
Lovely tribute!
ReplyDeleteThis is touching. Really lovely.
ReplyDeleteoy this is sad...i like the sentiment...and my day will come to care and be set free...
ReplyDeleteThis is very touching and absolutely beautiful! The lovely image and the last line, "She died to set me free," brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a moving tribute, I endorse the sentiments, Stafford!
ReplyDeleteYou bring us back to reality.
Best wishes for the ensuing year!
simple yet beautiful. brought tears to my eyes. loved the picture as well.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I can totally relate, but I don't quite know how. Gorgeous, wonderful, amazing...
ReplyDelete~~Aynsley
What a lovely homage. What a fine lineage. Kudos on both.
ReplyDeleteWell done and hope you are enjoying your Rally visits and visitors.
Best for 2011.
Very beautifully expressed. My mother died last February and your poem reminded me how much I still miss the her voice, her laughter and her yodelling (an unusual skill of which she was very proud, which won her a callback radio contest in her 83rd year).
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely piece. Heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteA lovely and touching tribute, Ford. I am quite envious of your obviously dear relationship.
ReplyDeleteYour words take me to where love is. Beautiful. And your writing is incredibly lovely.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful Stafford....made my eyes tear up- she died to let you go- but at least she was there for you for 93 years....wonderful words for a Mother
ReplyDeleteExtremely beautiful and sensitive...i love cattle dogs too..what an amazing photo of a life so loved...bkm
ReplyDeletethis is really good! mines here- http://fiveloaf.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/hunger/
ReplyDeleteI'm going to cry now - wonderful! You seem to look just like your mum - both photos with the same expression - ha!
ReplyDeleteOh my, my friend ... oh my. No ideas for any more appropriate words (and having a photo of your mother as a girl -- is treasure)
ReplyDelete..
A beautifully spoken tribute Stafford...that strength and power she had lives on in your words and strong heart!
ReplyDeleteYou Know In Your Heart When *IT* Happens
ReplyDeleteA Feeling So * STRONG *
Tis True
* Sweet Moments In Time *
And Heartstrings
Will Tingle and Sing
For You
T'was One of * THOSE * Moments
For Me *DEAR*
Only Minutes After We Met
I Knew In My Heart * I LOVED YOU *
** LADY MARJORIE **
I'LL NEVER FORGET
Sad and sweet.
ReplyDeleteShe had much go be proud of. This is what we all long for, you were lucky enough to have it.
ReplyDelete