Monday, January 4, 2010

Wings



Thanks to Sherri of Sweetest in the Gale for this week's prompt, wings.


Emma’s birds

Paper cranes
tumble
moss green,
lavender, peach
a child’s spring
tender and
itinerant
tucked
in the creases

We savor
all they carry
elongate the moment
before the unfailing return
of blinding snow
as night thickens
and she beats her wings
senseless
against the pane.

As Cecelia’s Alzheimer's advances,
all that remains is each shining moment.



21 comments:

The Write Girl said...

What a breathtaking impression you've created with words. I enjoyed the imagery in this piece. God bless Cecelia and best wishes to your loved ones.

Amity said...

that's all Cecilia can enjoy and it's quite disheartening as one grows old...well, the inevitable you know!

the walking man said...

It is best to enjoy her in her moments rather than try to pull her into yours.

Wonderful expression here Gabrielle.

zoya gautam said...

peace to your loved ones

Jim said...

Gabrielle, this is a very nice tribute poem to Cecelia. I do hope that I can remember how to make paper airplanes when I get to be in her shoes. Mine won't be nice pretty colored ones.
..

Sandra.if said...

so sweet and sympathetic ...so well said!!

Tumblewords: said...

Beautiful! What a lovely collage of cranes and a poignant slice of life. Beautiful!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

One wonders what thoughts she is trying to release in those folded wings. A very poignant poem.

colleen said...

I enjoyed browsing the poetry here, especially your haiku.

Patti said...

Your poem is lovely and sad at the same time. I can just picture what you've written... and it is important to remember to enjoy the "nowness" of each moment!

Anonymous said...

Stunning... I enjoyed this so much. Also was very moved by the photo. What a gift for words you have!

J said...

beautiful and moving post

Jeeves said...

Touching.

Anonymous said...

very nicely written..can relate.

SandyCarlson said...

Tender and beautiful and oh, so loving. You have a beautiful heart.

madeline d. murray said...

I love the way you've juxtaposed Emma's experience of creation in the moment with Cecelia's. A beautiful post. Thank you.

Cassiopeia Rises said...

This is breathtaking. Your words drip with sadness and an image of helplessness.Wonderful.


Melanie

lissa said...

lovely, sweet and sentimental

Tammie Lee said...

such a tender poem.
Thank you for reminding me how precious each moment is.

storyteller said...

Poignant response to the 'wings' prompt for OSI. I find my thoughts wandering this morning ... to teaching, origami, Saduko and the Thousand Paper Cranes ... and as I bring my thoughts back to my comment, I'd like to thank you for your visit to Sacred Ruminations. I hadn't noticed the moose ears resembled wings, but now that you point it out I see two sets of wings as well ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

sanjeet said...

God bless Cecelia and best wishes to your loved ones
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