Wednesday, December 10, 2014

"In Remembrance"


In Remembrance

Damp and dreary today dawns,
settles 'round my shoulders with a weary sigh.
Her mourning tears mist my glasses
as I shuffle through leaves fast becoming brown,
contemplate life slipping away
silently, without fanfare.

No trumpet call, no pretentiousness;
just color ebbing, leaving behind
something once vibrantly splendid.

Even the lake's silvery stillness
indulges our mood,
reflects an egret's gliding grace,
angelic white wings soothing
as a sweetly sung southern hymn.

Canoes stacked, red, blue, green upon yellow;
hunkered down for winter's bite
yet able to yearn for spring's gentle caress
and summer's bold laughter -

but not these leaves.  They must dissolve
into the earth from which they came.
I pick one up.  Pocket it.  Hesitant to let go.
Find myself looking back, remembering
the glory that was autumn.

by Margaret Bednar, December 10, 2014 (Dedicated to the memory of Galen Haynes)

This morning I heard the news that Galen Haynes (aka G-Man) passed away.  I am deeply saddened and will miss this intelligent and generously kind man.   This poem if for him.  I will always remember him fondly.

This is linked with "Imaginary Garden with Real Toads "Words Count with Mama Zen".  We had to include at least one homophone and be 75 words or less.  (This poem is way over the word count … I hope I am given a "pass" in honor and memory of Galen - (although, editing it to 55 words probably would improve it!)

My homophone is "leaves" and "leaving" hope the different endings are OK.

This is also linked with "Poetry Jam" contemplating "quiet".

21 comments:

Maude Lynn said...

This is really moving, Margaret. I just hope that Galen had some idea of how many people he touched.

Marian said...

this is gorgeous, Margaret, an apt tribute. sending love to you.

Grandmother Mary said...

I like your metaphor of the fading leaves that go back to earth and your honoring of Galen.

Brian Miller said...

I am sure that galen would be proud...but he would probably tell you that you were over the word limit though...and then let you slide...ha....smiles

he is def missed

Gabriella said...

I like how you convey your pain through the late autumn setting and the fallen leaves. Galen will be missed by the many he touched through his words.

Peggy said...

Very much enjoyed visiting your blog again. What a beautiful image and tribute. I am sure G-Man would be pleased.

Mary said...

A lovely tribute to G-Man. I doubt he really knew how much he was cared about by his friends in the blogosphere. He had something good - with his personality & with his '55. I miss him & hiss 55's too. He was one of a kind.

Eileen T O'Neill ..... said...

An excellent poem, filled with the emotions of the environment, as well as a memory of the being...All gone, as with the autumn leaves.

Eileen

Anonymous said...

fine man. fine tribute. ~

Outlawyer said...

A lovely tribute-- a beautiful cadence and pace here, Margaret. k. (I am having trouble commenting so this may use my old unused blogger ID--it's Karin, Manicddaily)

Wolfsrosebud said...

this was lovely... a gentle exit... love how the community comes together at loss... you did you best in this peace

Hannah said...

This entire poem breathes with presence and beauty...so gracefully written, Margaret. My heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your friend. ♥

brudberg said...

This time of the year is so right to mourn. Saddened for Galen.. yet a star that has fallen.. there were quite a few Friday's I enjoyed the 55's ..

Mary Ann Potter said...

Hi, Margaret! So glad I found this wonderful work on Poetry Jam! Your poem and photo brought to mind so many things, and I truly enjoyed the journey. Beautiful photo as well. So much upon which to reflect.

Grace said...

A moving tribute to Galen Margaret ~I am still in shock actually and can't believe we won't be getting his kick ass weekend greeting ~

Kay L. Davies said...

These words are so apt in the loss of a friend. I particularly like "Hesitant to let go.
Find myself looking back, remembering..."
I didn't know Galen, although I recognize "G-Man" with the number 55, but so many references have been made here on Toads, I'm sorry I didn't know him. Friendships online, especially in a poetry site, are very real, because we share our souls.
Luv,
K

elaine said...

Lovely sentiment - beautifully written.

Millie said...

It was a shock to hear of his passing. This is a beautiful tribute.

Can't seem to post as me, Razzamadazzle.

Laura said...

What a beautiful way to honor Galen. This line is so tender "just color ebbing, leaving behind
something once vibrantly splendid." he leaves behind a legacy of good humor and kindness, he will not be forgotten.

MeenalSonal said...

Emotion expressed beautifully.

Raining Iguanas said...

Beautiful poem and tribute. One of my favorites of recent weeks.