After school on a Thursday as I open
the fridge to get
her a snack
she tells me that
Mrs. Belle's husband died - cancer
again. As
tears spill I think about
how she's shown up
in that classroom
every day since September
teaching sixth
graders about character development
and plot, how she
cracked
the kids up with
her funny stories
and quirky ways.
Never once
mentioning that
the one
she loved best
would soon
be gone. And this
reminds me of my high school
friend, the one
with the four kids who is only 44, the one who should be
playing with her
toddler instead of losing
her hair. That
evening, before I tuck her in, I weep
all over again when she shows me
all over again when she shows me
the card she made
with the quote
about how, when
the sun goes down
the stars come
out. I'm not sure
if I'm weeping
about what she lost
or what they may
lose or
how beautiful it
is that they keep showing up bare
and
laughing even though the lights
have been turned
out. Or about how damn wise
my daughter is at
eleven. Or maybe it's the reminder
that none of it
stays. That night I fall asleep
thinking about
how we need dark
to see the stars,
wondering
how much longer
and closer my
embraces might be
if I stop
assuming there will be
a tomorrow
*Photo found HERE
Julia, this poem is so beautiful, so tender, reminding me of what is truly important. How others are hurting, living through such pain. My heart goes out to your daughters teacher and your friend. Life is hard sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAs always my dear friend your words bless me more than you could know. You are an amazing beautiful person.
Love, Sarra
Sarra, as always, you words and love and support touch me deeply. Thank you for taking the time to connect. Sending heaps of love your way.
DeleteSo beautiful. Thank you for giving me a few treasured moments today to remember what's most important. Love you.
ReplyDeleteAlia, it's always so beautiful to see you here. Thank you.
DeleteI love you, my friend.
Oh Julia ~ this is so beautiful, so heart-full, so... perfect. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend ~ how amazing that in her fight she has such profound words to share? Sending you love and light xo
ReplyDeleteSending love right back to you, precious Susie.
DeleteTugging at my heart strings and bringing tears to my eyes...
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your daughter and all those who are touched by the life of this one who has died...
Thank you, Deb.
DeleteI hope your day/weekend is full of overflowing beauty.
so beautiful, Julia. xoxoxo
ReplyDelete(((Kelli)))....love to you. <3
DeleteMaybe it's about how unfair it is to suffer when there are so many brighter things in life.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear these things, but as always, you manage to word it so eloquently.
Much love xoxo
I think it's about a lot of things that decided to come out (all mixed up) in one poem. :)
DeleteLove to you, lovely Karin.
Oh, Julia, how beautiful and true this poem is. I think it's about us, the big, "we are all connected - beautifully and painfully - and our ripples sometimes feel like tsunamis, and I'm so very overwhelmed and grateful for that" us.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for you my poem-wielding friend. Sending love to you and your girls and your daughter's teacher and your friend from high school... et al. <3
Yes J, what you so beautifully said. Your way with words always leaves me in awe...
DeleteThank you for the love you so freely/generously give. I can't even tell you how grateful I am to be on the receiving end of YOU.
Giant, love-filled hugs to you.