setting the table

it is passover. i wrote this poem 4 years ago and it becomes more meaningful to me as the years progress.

evening shoos day out of the room
setting the table for another holiday
without you
gravity pulls me into the sea of night
though i do swim through rose petals
the scent of tradition seems slightly off
the moon's florescent smile
does not reach my eyes
the parsley is dipped
in the salt of my tears
the bitter herbs are somehow appropriate
your first and only born
still mourns your passing
why is tonight different from all other nights?
tonight i browse through memories
hanging in the closet of time
i wrap them round my shoulders
cherishing every wrinkle

© 2013 Lydia Shutter

Reviews

[Ted Kniffen]

Hi, Lydia, just found this one as a suggestion to one of mine. There is much to be said for traditions and celebrations even those that are made all the more difficult with the those of a loved one...possibly your mother...and yet there are those memories to wrap around the shoulders for warmth.

A good write, Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Ted, I always appreciate it when an older poem is read by someone. Thank you so much for this lovely review. Yes, it was my mother I was talking about here.....though my dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins are no longer here either. Lydi**

[angelina neves]

wonderful specially the memories
"hanging in the closet of time
i wrap them round my shoulders
cherishing every wrinkle"
what a beautiful image!

[Lydia Shutter]

Memories are so important! Thank you, Angelina. Lydi**

[barleygirl]

As always in your writing, this is off the charts with excellent word crafting . . . you convey a poignant mix of missing someone while also gracefully painting the many fleeting visions of time spent together. The thing I love the most is how you select specific ideas to illustrate a concept that many people write about, yet yours is so spanking fresh in originality.

[Lydia Shutter]

Margie, I apologize for this thanks being so late. We were away on a vacation. I so appreciate your thoughtful reviews. You are very special. Gorgeous new photo of you by the way! Lydi**

[barleygirl]

Thank you so much! (((HUGS)))

[emmajoy]

'why is tonight different from all other nights?
tonight i browse through memories
hanging in the closet of time
i wrap them round my shoulders
cherishing every wrinkle;

Your poem was - as i would expect it to be- the most beautiful and respectful tribute to a day when families gather and memories are held even more precious than on silent days. History
has a way of returning from whence it came.. that is where treasure lies, Lydi...

I spent just under three months at a kibbutz as a volunteer. Whilst there - amongst many other worthy lessons, i learned what loving loyalty really means.

[Lydia Shutter]

My dear Emma...you never cease to amaze me. Thank you so much for your service at a kibbutz and for your warm review. You are special! Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

You've penned this just the way you always do - with a very palpable touch. I still find the holidays the hardest of all, but then again, those memories can surge at the drop of a hat. Just keep thinking to yourself - how proud they would be!

I hope

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, they would be proud....this I know. I continue their traditions. Thank you, Kelly. I wish you and yours a happy Easter. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i like the mixture of food images, the meal mixed with the idea of food for thought on the Holidays...what they meant at one time and what they mean right now...
and it is certainly the time we think about those we lost.
beautiful poem.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jacob. Lydi**

[SleeplessVolcano]

this is so touching Lydia. Often people focus so much on the "wonderful" time shared with friends and family during religious holidays, but at the same time, many others might be mourning the death of a loved one, and for them, the festival may feel rather empty.

Great poetry.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for the review and for understanding. Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... I was an only child and I can relate to the feeling of wrapping memories around your shoulder and cherishing each moment. My Mother passed around a holiday that is beautiful and giving as she herself.
Your poem has touched my heart and soul. truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

So pleased you could relate to my words, Pat. Thank you, my friend. Lydi**

[Island Hippy]

Aloha Lydia, this is a beautiful offering honouring a loved one. Holiday celebrations seem to bring thoughts of our loved ones to the surface and we reach for them in our memories. My husband and I had the honour of going to a Passover Seder some years ago invited by a family we met on the our travels it was an unforgettable experience. I enjoyed reading your poem, mahalo. Izzy

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for the review, Izzy. I am pleased you have attended a Seder. Lydi**

[Island Hippy]

You're very welcome.

[Ruth]

Celebrations always cause reflection when we miss. Lydi, you have such a gentle and moving voice within your poetry, you take the reader right into the heart of the scenario :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Poppy. Lydi**