Wednesday, November 28, 2012

IGWRT's Wednesday Challenge "Susan"


Would you like to hear me read this poem:

Check this out on Chirbit

Susan

I have long admired
deep cherry red

roses.  Foliage blooming
with life, like your

eyes.  I reach out to
run a finger along youthful

cheek.  But, some things
must be carressed with the

heart.  I gaze upon precious
faded images, make a

vow.  Despite early pruning by
Master Gardener, you'll forever grace my

life.  Artistry from one held dear,
will inspire, will be remembered.

by Margaret Bednar, 11-28-2012


I was about one and a half when my sister died, just shy of nine.  I wish with all my heart I could remember her, but I don't.  However, I have always felt a very strong pull towards her images in the photographs my parents took of her, their first born.  I was told when she came home from the hospital, she always went straight towards my room, to see me, the baby sister she so loved.

She was an artist, I have a few of her drawings, her creations of paper doll clothes, etc.  My first daughter's middle name is Susan - and she is the one who is so artistically gifted; I can't help but think Susan is smiling down from heaven, her spirit still painting.

Below is some of her art she did while in the hospital.  I feel so blessed to have it.



This is for Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's - Wednesday Challenge "Personal Relationship" inspired by the poetry of Ingrid Jonker.


and a school project my oldest daughter did years ago.  I was truly amazed, as I hadn't showed her Susan's paper doll clothes at the time:


23 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

oh, i'm so sorry. she was an adorable one. i'm glad you have a few of her things.

Anonymous said...

Photographs have a language all their own - able transmit feelings in a unique way.

I don't like you today. You are making me cry. Sorry.

Kerry O'Connor said...

Margaret, the feelings you have expressed here are so brutally honest, and expressed in the simple terms of the cherry red rose, they strike to the heart of the reader. I was in tears before I reached the end - and that is a testament to terrific writing: taking what hurts and turning it into art.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

What a grounded, assured little girl she was, her feet planted so solidly on the ground. How sad a loss to your family. I love it that you cherish her art and her memory - and that the daughter who bears her name is artistic. Life is quite wonderful in how it distributes - and redistributes - its gifts.

Marian said...

ooooh how profoundly and simply precious and sad. i'm so sorry for your loss. her presence and your loss must impact you strongly. i'm so glad you shared this. xo

Fireblossom said...

Okay, now you made me cry.

Far Beyond The Ridge said...

Wow. That was really beautiful Margaret. Choked on my breath as i read it.
I love the artwork too.
Some things can't be forgotten, or remembered well enough

Helen said...

Yes .. Margaret, your poem will create buckets of tears. I am so sorry your family had to lose her. Like my schoolmate, Vernon ... gone too soon.

I was quite impressed with Susan's artwork and the paper doll clothes. My paper doll was named 'Millie' ... though I was older and already into the 'mature' designs.

Hannah said...

I can barely see through the blur to type...Margaret this breaks my heart...I'm so sorry that she was taken. Thank you so much for sharing these precious memories of her with us. ♥

Lolamouse said...

I'm crying and smiling at the same time. It's wonderful that you can see some of your sister in your daughter. I like to think that our loved ones spirits live on that way. A lovely poem and beautiful artwork. Thank you for sharing.

hedgewitch said...

A beautiful connection, not without grief, but still, I think, luminous. I especially like these lines:
'...some things
must be carressed with the/heart.'

Janine Bollée said...

Special to have those keepsakes still. Remembered and treasured. And reincarnated in a way.

Daydreamer said...

Wow.... the connection between you sister and your daughters art is unmistakable.. amazing.
Awful to lose any child, especially one so young. She sounds as if she would have been a wonderful older sister to you too. I'm sure she does smile when she sees you and your family too.

Peggy said...

Wonderful connection to a sister you never knew. Her death must have left a big hole in your family.

Karen said...

This is beautifully poignant. I don't know how people survive such a thing, but I am happy for you that you feel your sister's presence still in your life.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. You've developed a wonderful metaphor in the poem.

Anonymous said...

A lovely poem and such great photos and images. It is wonderful you have her art, and then you are making art. k.

Susie Clevenger said...

Such a beautiful poem, and your reading of it is so touching. I believe your sister is with you, and passed her gift of art on to your daughter..Love has such strong bonds.

Sreeja said...

Oh this was so heartfelt one.....such good images too.....

Cad said...

Good to have mementos :)

Susan said...

I am speechless from emotion. The pictures are impossibly awesome. I smile at you too from out of the same name.

Margaret said...

Truly, I send each of you a heartfelt "thank you".

Ginnie Hart said...

The serendipity of this post leaves me...speechless.