Friday, November 15, 2013

"I See Her"



I See Her

I'm one among many,
middle school auditorium
squeezed in tightly
with anticipation
lights dim, room hushes

voices ring out
try to harmonize center-stage -
the loudest note, off key
as young warblers part
for my daughter's solo.

The crowd fades as I
sit transfixed
as the soft light

caresses
her angled cheeks, full lips -
dances down her lithe form
fingertip to toe, arabesque -
silhouetting her figure,
more hour-glass than boxy

as she sings, soprano
of love flirtatious
exuding confidence

and then
she blends back in
harmonizing with the other children

and I see her as if for the first time
still beaming, but now
with a tear in my eye.

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, January 29, 2012


and yet, a part of me will always see her like this:


we were asked to find a favorite poem.  I love writing historical pieces, and perhaps one of those is my best, and lately I really enjoy writing about nature and the seasons, about horses… but, my mother's heart wins out when I have to pick a personal favorite and that is what "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads Fireblossom Friday" is all about today.  

I selected the above poem partly on the fact I adore poems about a sliver of a moment, a sudden emotion.  

She asked for ONE.   But, I must submit at least one per child which was very hard for me to do.  So, if anyone is interested, below are a few other poems which cover most of my children.

**********

The Sentinel  (a personal favorite of mine as well)









25 comments:

Fireblossom said...

What a moment to write about. I just loved this, I could see it and feel it so plainly. I has a moment just like this one, watching my son in a high school play his senior year. I'll never forget it, or how proud I was and am) of him.

Fireblossom said...

I had. Not has. I *do* speak the language, believe it or not!

Kerry O'Connor said...

This poem is so very special, Margaret. As a mother of two, I know the dread of leaving one out - tricky for you with your beautiful brood of six.
I shall be back to read others yu have linked up for us.

Susan said...

I'm glad you let the mother side win because I so enjoy these poems that show love it is so hard to express.

Anonymous said...

i read all the poems and they resonated within my motherly/grandmotherly soul. my daughter is 42 now, my granddaughter turns 16 in three weeks, my grandson is twelve, but my most precious memories are all of them at earlier times... well, of course, every "i love you" now is just as precious.

your love for your children always comes through, Margaret, making the poems truly special!


dani

Sherry Blue Sky said...

This is one of my favourites of yours as well, Margaret - we included it in the interview, as I recall. So lovely. Such a poised young woman she appears , in the photo.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love all of these poems, Margaret, especially My Butterfly - your daughter is an amazing artist! All of your children are so talented. I so enjoyed your offering here today. Thank you so much.

Susie Clevenger said...

Such a beautiful piece...when we look upon our child soaring without us it is beautiful yet sad at the same time...

Hannah said...

I love your zooming in effect as you describe so beautifully, you child, in the spotlight, (of your heart), moment, Margaret. Such a vivid and special moment...thank you for sharing. :)

Ella said...

This is so tender and symbolic of a mother's love!~ The light and shadows illuminate your poem-beautiful!

Sumana Roy said...

a wonderful moment so nicely expressed.....

Anonymous said...

so sweet, Margaret. ~

hedgewitch said...

A poignant and vivid capture of the heart, Margaret.

Kathryn Dyche said...

What a heartfelt poem, a mothers love is a beautiful thing.

Marian said...

yes, yes, i know i read and loved this before, what a fantastically loving and beautiful poem (and young woman). i love it, Margaret. and relate. !!!

Helen said...

I am overflowing with emotion right now ... this is spectacular, lovely as the love you feel for your daughter, your family.

Anonymous said...

This is the snapshot of your daughter that will live forever. Amen. - Brendan

Unknown said...

A beautiful tribute you your children. I can certainly connect with this. If there is one area of life where I can access my true feeling (other than anger) it is regarding my kids.

Herotomost said...

ughhhh...this makes me so sad....I have two that are getting to that point too, I am going to miss and already miss each and every little progression they make. What a wonderful poem...I feel it.

Grandmother Mary said...

Those daughters have a way of touching our hearts and this is such a lovely moment.

Peggy said...

Beautiful Margaret--both the poem and the photos. What a beauty she is. thanks for resharing.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't choose! Your choice for Fireblossom Friday commenced very sheepishly but the sparkles flew across the page then, like bird that has just found it's voice, shyly slipped back beneath the cool branches. Marvelously depicted ~ Blessings dear friend, Debbie

Ginny Brannan said...

Aww Margaret, I read this, then went to the links and read all the others. Each is so lovely in their own right. I especially liked the 'Noble Warrior' with a flower "for his queen", "The Scryer" with the mirror of Galadriel (the LOTR fan in me totally appreciated this). But something about "Nostalgia" really touched me as "mom tears" welled in my eyes!! Beautiful writing, Margaret, and perfect imagery captured. Especially liked the early photos shared along with the current. Well done, my friend!

Laura said...

both so beautiful dear Margaret!

Ginnie Hart said...

You know me...I'm such a sucker for the littlest of them all. He steals my heart every time...especially that first image of him in the "Lonely" poem. I could eat him up!

Did I miss a poem on William, your firstborn????