20 Comments
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LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

This is so beautiful, Maureen. The images, the movement of the poem—I feel like I’m right there.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you so much for your generous words, LeeAnn.

Deborah Batterman's avatar

Grief is visceral, isn't it? So much in this poem moves me, especially the image of your poem and the photo placed in the pocket of his suit.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you, Deborah.

Margaret Ann Silver's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful poem.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting.

A. Jay Adler's avatar

Ah, Maureen, I'm startled to see this as I'm preparing my own. It feels wrong to pick out lines, breaks, or couplets -- except, "not to go yet."

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Jay, I always think of you when I work on something for Patrick. I’ve never forgotten how you wrote about your brother, nor the intuitive and hard-felt understanding you brought to my words, what we each shared and neither, of course, ever expected or wanted. Marking the birth day normally would be cause for celebration. Patrick died less than two months after turning 59. Too soon. I know you know.

A. Jay Adler's avatar

And I of you and Patrick, Maureen, as I have this week during the difficult writing I’m doing. We will always carry them in us.

john guzlowski's avatar

At 78 I feel this. Thank you for sharing your grief.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you, John. I appreciate your comment very much. I hope you and your family are well, and that you are continuing to write.

<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Lovely couplets for your dear loved one, Maureen. As we know, grief has no timetable.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you, Mary.

Rajani Radhakrishnan's avatar

A beautiful, moving tribute, Maureen...the grief stays and stays....sending lots of love.

Peggy Rosenthal's avatar

Beautiful, Maureen. I remember the other poems you've written about / to your brother.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

Thank you, Peggy.

Robert McDowell's avatar

Heartfelt!

Beth Kephart's avatar

heart.

Namratha Varadharajan's avatar

This is relatable because at the moment i am suffering from some borrowed grief, my best friend's mom passed away. And we are navigating a new normal.

Maureen Doallas's avatar

The grief and sorrow of loss are always "there," no matter the number of years that go by. I send you and your friend my sympathies, Nami. May peace be with you.