Category Archives: grief
Star Upon The Tree
I set the star upon the tree
A special place on top
Reminder of past Christmases
I spent with my life’s love
Did I appreciate those days
While running to and fro
Or did I miss the best of times
Wrapped up in Christmas rush?
The baking, cooking, trim the tree,
Will all of it be done
Before the family arrives
For dinner Christmas eve
We’d stay up late to build the toys
Exhausted, went to bed
Excited boys would wake by five
To see what Santa left
I cannot travel back in time
To capture what was lost
My photos of past holidays
Forever warm my heart
That special star upon the tree
Burns brighter from above
His spirit lives forever more
In everlasting love
Life/Death
Daylight, Darkness
Waking, Sleeping
Life progresses
Day by day
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Status Quo, Change
Reactionary, Revolutionary
Peace, War
Life, then Death.
Step by Step
Marching on step by step
Winds of change drive forward
Packing boxes, purging
Former chapters closing
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What’s ahead unknowing
Daunting plus exciting
Off to learn life’s lessons
Gone the safety net
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Off the cliff, dare to jump
Will I soar or tailspin?
Crash or fly like eagle?
Time will tell the outcome
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Marching on step by step
Are there any choices?
Sun rises every day
I must meet the challenge.
The Way Back
The Way Back from loss
A struggle each day
My heart torn in half
I wished he could stay
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Alas, not to be
His job was complete
Fulfilled, he must go
Ancestors to meet
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The Way Back from grief
I stumble and fall
In potholes of pain
Picked up to stand tall
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New chapters to write
And places to see
More people to help
Adventures for me
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The teacher is life
To live it, to learn
Move forward he says
My love’s at each turn
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The Way Back takes time
To heal and move on
With wide open eyes
To see what’s beyond.
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Excited and daunted
My soul will be fed
I know it’s the path
The Way Back I tread
Gratitude Attitude
From where I sit there are complaints
Of lack, short-falls, life failed.
I feel the pity for myself
For no one else would care.
I cry the tears and lick my wounds
Feel justified, I moan,
Alone, poor me, I dwell depressed.
No joy lives in my heart.
Rejoice, my spirit screams within
Take note of all there is!
Behold, rise up and see the light
For gifts abound around!
Enjoy the gifts each day bestows
Surprises are in store
Be open spirit to receive
The wonders of this world
Change attitude with gratitude
Your heart will overflow
You’ll feel the love, support surround
And know you’re not alone
Along the Shore
Crashing waves, I remember
Many walks along the shore
Hand in hand we strolled through life
Facing storms and sunny days
A double rainbow lights the sky
I see your gentle spirit
Telling me your love transcends
Sea and sand along the shore
Brilliant hues against dark sky
Errant waters lap my toes
Feeling close but far away
I walk with you along the shore
Sail on, my Captain
Sixteen years ago I wrote the following lighthearted poem in honor of my husband Roger and two friends, Roger and Mike, who raced our sailboat in the 1998 National Catalina Race held in Westbrook, Connecticut. They took first for the tall rig division in all three races. Yes, readers, the sailboat’s name was Sloopy, the inspiration for the fictional 36 foot sloop that Liz and Garret live aboard in Murder in Mystic, Murder in Newport and Two Headed Snake of Key West. Our Sloopy was fast and my husband could make a mighty Margarita.
I am sharing this with you in memory of my husband, who passed away on July 1, 2014. Sail on, my captain.
The pressure was on
To win a glass cup
Each silently prayed
He wouldn’t screw up
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The guy thing, you know
Machismo, at best
The challenge would come
They’d be put to the test
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The good Lord was laughing
As they hoisted the main.
These three would need blessings,
And more, it was plain
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Wine made from water
Was easy for sure,
But Roger, Mike, Roger
Three races endure?
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The task was immense
But these were nice guys
He raised His arms up
And Sloopy did rise.
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She raced to the finish
Three bullets to boot
Miracles do happen.
There’s proof in the loot.
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The lesson each learned,
To celebrate life
Believe in oneself
Be good to your wife.
Surviving Loss
Stand tall to do it all
Accepting help with grace
The sense of loss will fade
The healing’s not a race
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Reach out to those in need
Give all that you can spare
Your heart will fill with love
While showing that you care
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Be good to you! Sing! Dance!
In time the joy returns
Your world will right itself
As everyone learns
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Enjoy each day with thanks
A gift is what it’s called
From up above it comes
Stand tall to do it all
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Marilyn Dalla Valle 