In September When You are Twelve

In September when you are twelve

thoughts should be of beginnings

of returning to school

of soccer practice and violin lessons

of new dresses and laughter with friends.

 

In September when you are twelve

the sun should warm your face

and the breeze blow through your hair.

 

In September when you are twelve

there should be sleepy dreams

about the magic of tomorrow

growing in your soul.

 

But this September when you are twelve

what grows inside is not a dream

but a nightmare

and sleep is just a sad hint

of what is coming soon.

 

No sun can warm you now

nor remove the cold hand

from your bones.

And no breeze can shake the hair

that your medicines have robbed.

 

The only new dress

shall be worn

for a different return.

 

In September

the first chill comes at night,

and the darkness lingers longer.

The leaves begin to tinge

and when they finally fall,

a blanket of gold they will make

to cover you

and warm you for your journey.

Author's Note

The last rites of the Roman Catholic Church were administered to my niece yesterday afternoon. this is in her honor. She has shown how to live in her short life.

Reviews

[TL Boehm]

I knew before I got past the first few lines that I was going to be in tears and still I read. This is such a beautiful and aching tribute to your niece. there aren't the appropriate words to convey the depth of emotion I feel as I read this. It takes the breath away. I'm a mom. We so want that first part for our children....and not the second part.
Peace

[SteveB]

Thank you so much. I think that those of us who are parents can only shudder and imagine the unimaginable in this situation.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

A glint of gold glimmers behind your words, the spark of sunrise on a tear.

Your poem is a beautiful homage to a life which left too soon. Surely an angel was called back home.

Linda Marie

[Michael G. Smith]

Sadness in missing loved ones, gladness in meeting them after the resurrection.

[SyberRose]

I can relate to this as my sister died at twelve....so sorry Steve for your sadness...and a lovely tribute to your dear niece...hugs

[SteveB]

Thank you Rose

[Frieda P]

I knew from the first lines this would tug at the heartstrings, I'm so sorry for your loss Steve. It's a very lovely tribute to your niece. My heartfelt thoughts are with you and your family.

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Frieda. It is appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is so sad...the fifth stanza is especially chilling...

too short a life...but she was obviously brave and lived it to the fullest.

so sorry, Steve.

jacob

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much Jacob. She has taught so much to so many by the dignity and grace she has shown.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your sorrow here is immeasurable, Steve...and this is as beautiful a poem as I have ever read! My prayers are with you and your family.

Your neice will always live within these words...you must find a way to preserve them!

God's speed, my friend!

[SteveB]

Thank you so very much Kelly. You give too much honor to my poor words however. But I appreciate them all the more for that.

[Tate Morgan]

A heart breaking rendering for sure as I know of whom this written. There is no solace no kindness to this tragedy.May you find some way to deal with this tragedy.I'll be thinking of you.

[SteveB]

Thank you Tate. As always.

[Rita L. Sev]

Steve, this poem brought tears before I read your note. Beautifully written, this tribute to all that twelve should be, and to the Life of your niece. Your last stanza reads like a prayer for a peaceful passing. I hope your family found comfort in the Sacrament... Praying to St. Joseph for your niece, your family and you, Steve...

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Rita. On an earlier piece of mine you commented about it feeling "Catholic". I hope the same feeling came through here. There is the sadness and the anger but also the hope. Thank you so very much for the prayers.

[Sami Khalil]

A heartbreaking , touching poem full of love and sincere wishes. A great tribute to your niece. Thank you for sharing with us...:)

[SteveB]

Thank you so much Sami.

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome...:)