I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

26 January 2015

Aunty Ev

My aunty is old.
I send her my poetry book
to please her,
knowing she can’t take it in.
I hope its being sent
will be enough.

Cousin Elizabeth emails.
My aunt is cranky now,
disoriented,
must be supervised,
no longer has her own
little house where she planted roses.

I think of her 
fifty years ago
when she rescued me in my teens
and my little brother.
I think of her on her doorstep
smiling and opening her arms.

2/10/07 – 26/1/15

 (A revision. Aunty Ev died in 2010.)

Here is Aunty Ev (right) with cousin Elizabeth — 
not her daughter but another niece —  in 2008.

















Submitted for Poets United's Poetry Pantry #236
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35 comments:

  1. Susan26 January 2015 at 21:57

    Such a memory is worthy of your time together, is worthy of the sent book!

    ReplyDelete
  2. rallentanda26 January 2015 at 23:06

    Every one should be lucky enough to have an Aunty Ev.She's a sweetie. I hope she sees you post.

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  3. nan26 January 2015 at 23:18

    So much love in the intention of sending along poetry, a dedication, to one who can no longer take it in. Yet, she remains with you, that love a piece of your heart. Generous open arms that stay open and smiling even after passing.

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  4. kelvin s.m.26 January 2015 at 23:57

    Aunty Ev is smiling from up above, Rosemary. I just know. Lovely poem!

    - ksm

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  5. Mary27 January 2015 at 00:02

    What a beautiful tribute!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jae Rose27 January 2015 at 00:53

    Age can be awful to witness and yet she will always be...as she is and always was and will be....

    ReplyDelete
  7. Gillena Cox27 January 2015 at 00:58

    luv the pic and poem

    have a good week; thanks for stopping by to read mine

    much love...

    ReplyDelete
  8. humbird27 January 2015 at 01:10

    Oh, how important to remember the essence of person especially when regress starting....evocative poem...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Unknown27 January 2015 at 03:38

    She is clearly a woman who has lived a good life. So glad she was in your teen picture.

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  10. Sherry Blue Sky27 January 2015 at 04:53

    Oh I can see her, beaming love, with her arms wide open. How wonderful, Rosemary. I so love this poem. For me, it was my grandma. She saved my life.

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  11. Unknown27 January 2015 at 05:13

    It sounds like Aunty Ev was a magnificent and strong person. I could really sense this in your poem, and I think your aunt would have loved to read this. Great tribute.

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  12. Truedessa27 January 2015 at 08:37

    I hope she see your post as I am sure it would bring a smile. Sometimes, in the journey special people come into our lives to help us and I think she is that person.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unknown27 January 2015 at 08:52

    what a sweet revisiting of a poem to share with us Rosemary. I'm glad she was there for you when you needed help

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  14. Brian Miller27 January 2015 at 09:05

    ihope she enjoyed the book.,..
    hard too when you are no longer in that house...
    my gramma had a heart attack on saturday
    and she has finally come to the point she is ready to accept
    not being in her own house and getting the care she needs...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Grace27 January 2015 at 11:46

    How very touching ~ I am glad you have happy memories of her ~

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  16. Rosemary Nissen-Wade27 January 2015 at 16:43

    I was so lucky to have her!

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  17. Anonymous28 January 2015 at 03:20

    Rosemary, thank you for this one. You brought back raucous memories of childhood and the inspiration for a poem. I'll let you know if I work it out. Thank you also for your visit...and echoing someone else, we all need an Aunty Ev alive in our memories,

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous28 January 2015 at 12:13

      Thank you for the inspiration. My poem may be found here:

      https://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2015/01/27/from-the-forest-of-memory/

      Elizabeth

      Delete
    2. Rosemary Nissen-Wade2 February 2015 at 06:49

      Loved your poem too.

      Delete
  18. Claudia28 January 2015 at 06:08

    she looks like she smiled a lot... and i love her hat... sorry for the loss...

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  19. kaykuala29 January 2015 at 11:56

    Wonderful words for your late Aunt! Just goes to show one is remembered for good deeds. It is good to make oneself aware and able to relate them later in life! Great lines Rosemary!

    Hank

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rosemary Nissen-Wade2 February 2015 at 06:50

      Thank you, Hank. I always used to tell her she was my favourite aunty and my second Mum.

      Delete
  20. Stacy M.S.1 February 2015 at 12:26

    what a beautiful and bittersweet poem for your aunty!

    this one brought tears to my eyes.

    thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

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