To Be Together

Reflecting on my handicap, my family and family love, especially my parents.. Forms part of a bigger project, 'Journey', a collection of poetry I want to publish at some stage 😊

From the beginning they’ve been my guide,

through it all and by my side,

some mountains are harder climbed

  through corridors dark and undefined,

tenacious in fighting wars,

battling notions, but opening doors,

negotiated the schooling years, though

  never knowing tomorrows fears.

Many times when I got scared

  their strengths always met me there,

then of course the teenage ‘thing’ and

  all the troubles that would bring.

 

Over the years they’ve seen it all,

my every joy my every fall,

all those years they looked out for me,

times not always could I see, but

  daily living and daily chores,

love, laughter and so much more,

day to day what life held, but

  through the years three to meld.

 

I’ve always been in ‘this home’,

good times had, but sometimes alone,

‘these walls’, but different walls too,

held together by the love of two,

knowing each other’s traits,  

worries with respect we tolerate.

Living together two generations,

at times churning in frustration, but

  happiness, peace, respected space,

three lives in just one place.

Sometimes hard dynamics three and   

  things confused, just calm to be,

years of their marriage lived, but

  the meaning of us together!

 

With each other we abide,

always at the others side,

strengths spent and strengths given,

testament to paths together striven.

Knowing each other’s traits,

lessons learned, some I’ll take.

We are together a family and

  yet three lives individually,

we laugh, we love and live,

each something which to give,

looking out for each other,

through one trial and then another.

 

With so much to thank them for,

opening many of life’s locked doors,

an endless list they’ve done for me,

a clearer future that I could see.

Together they gave me in life a start,

sewn together from loving hearts.

Their strengths a torch showing way,

always remembering our yesterdays,

they’ve seen me through so much, and

  in everything I’ve felt family’s touch.

 

So much time spent together,

travelled roads in all kinds of weather,

but this is the place I need to be,

security of those sturdy oak trees,

for years they’ve shown me the way,

their heartbeat the pulse of every day.

There’s nothing we’ve not been through,

at times had alternate views,

disagreements, meanings misconstrued, but

  in times of tension is always my love for two.

 

But I’m their ears the go between,

their eyes when things hard to read,

for things computer I’m always there

  when problems have them tearing hair,

things in conversation missed,

just to abide with the way of this.

Continually tied up in knots

  of what was said and what was not, but

  to think of the miles of yesteryear,

countless trials that have brought us here.

 

Through it all I have this time,

memories fond so let them shine!

In their age I need to rest,

to remember I am truly blessed,

just let the days to flow,

take from their hearts always aglow, but

  blessed are we together!

 

Time .... I’m given time with them,

as family friends pass away, they’re

  still here .... I’m truly blessed to have this time!

Author's Note

Still evolving, but looking for people's critique and ideas, etc. Feedback sort, appreciated and respected :) Thank you! I make no apology for the length, as I needed to say what I needed to say. It feels good to have got these feelings out, and think I've covered all bases.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

Your "intro" reflects the way many Americans judge how we live (or who we live with), as if there's some "ideal" that reflects All-American independence, whereas living arrangements that differ must be explained. But that's where a touch of defensiveness ends becuz your poem is more a message of what ACCEPTING LIFE looks like, something half of America could stand to try doing more. I love how you embrace your parents, but I have to go on & on about how you accept and make the very best out of whatever life has dealt you. That's what I'm feeling loud & clear & it feels very beautiful. As you probably know, I climbed mountains most of my life, then neck injury put me in a wheelchair 7 years ago & it's taken me ALL of that time to find the kind of acceptance displayed in your poem (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

PS -- haven't seen you here in a while, glad to see you, going to go see if you've been posting & I've been missing it!

[Richard M]

Dearest Margie, I always love your comments on my poems, as you see so much more than I do. I truly thank you and appreciate your words. This is a first draft and will probably change, but fairly happy with it. Thinking about the tenses; written about the them or to them? Was thinking a rewrite as a free verse? Interesting idea for many reasons, but probably not!

I am well, a few difficulties, but always writing and loving life. ((((HUGEST HUGS)))) back to you my friend 😊

[Red Brick Keshner]

The length is determined both by what has to be said and how it is being said. I suppose as it gets longer it may be an option to 'break up' the piece into smaller, more independent segments that could stand on their own and still connect with each other when read as a longer piece; sort of like a Lego composition of sorts. Just an idea though. If it suits what you aim to arrive at and carry across, then it may be what you are looking for. Else, I shall return again should any other suggestion arise. If it hasn't already been given to you. And should it be a repeat from some other source, then it could be counted as a positive vote toward that end. Read you again later. Frederick

[Richard M]

Thank you for reading Frederick. Many thanks for the suggestions.

[Red Brick Keshner]

Cheers!
There sure is more around your page to read :-)

[Chris Shaw]

A wonderful tribute Richard, and nicely crafted to those two sturdy oaks in your life. They have supported and loved you through all the challenges you have had to endure. What marvellous parents they have been and continue to be. I was blessed with loving and supportive parents. We were lucky, so many aren't. This is a real testament to their love and yours too. I do hope you share this with them one day. All good wishes from across the pond. Take care my friend.

Chris

[Richard M]

Thank you Chris for reading your and for your encouraging words. Glad you made the ‘sturdy oaks’ connection from my previous writings. I’ve lived my life with my parents. I don’t know why, but just happened that way. In view of things that have happened in my life, this has been a good thing and I’ve been so blessed.
My parents and my older siblings have all seen this and love it!
Thank you again dear friend.
Richard

[Donna]

Richard, I enjoyed reading this. I'm glad you got your feelings out. Parents are wonderful and caring. They will always love you and be there for you. Cherish every minute you have with them. I lost my Dad 7 years ago and I still haven't gotten over it. My parents were there for me no matter what I did. I now take care of my Mom, she is in a wheelchair and getting older. I will be there for her and do what I can to make life special for her. I'm so glad you are all so close of a family. I can tell there is so much love! Take care! 😀

[Richard M]

Hi Donna, Really nice to meet you. Thank you for reading. My parents are such rocks in my life and such beautiful people. Love them and my siblings very much. We’re a close family, but all spread out these days. Thank you for telling me a little of your situation also. It’s wonderful that you have this time with your mum.
Take care my friend and thank you for your friendship.
Richard

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree Richard.
"Through it all I have this time,
memories fond so let them shine!
In their age I need to rest,
to remember I am truly blessed,
just let the days to flow,
take from their hearts always aglow, but
blessed are we together!"
I loved the above lines. I am there also my friend. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Richard M]

Thank you Coyote for reading. Loved writing this poem, words came so easily. Am thrilled to know of particular lines that resonate. Glad you liked it my friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome.

[Mary Christabel George]

It's deeply moving Richard. Your poem makes everyone to reflect upon the parenting that we have received and the times we spend together with our family through thick n thin. It's quite an inspiration. I am happy you have good parents. Please do write. Your words create wonder.

[Richard M]

Thanks Mary for reading and for your words. Truly appreciated my friend :) Yes, great parents and great memories and lots of strength and lessons from two.
Glad you joyed it :)

[Tabby Mac]

Well penned. It is long. I got tired in the middle; however, I feel connected to the piece it will resonate with some. It took me to my grandparents and their home where I grew up. Alas there time is up and mine to visit my home too. So I enjoyed the memories this brought to me. I wasn’t sure how far it would take me. I was happy to read they were still here. that was nice. Well rhymed and nice flow. Not all may relate as times change. For instance I come from a broken home so this brings to mind the constant of my grandparents as a pose to my parents. But as a personal to you piece I am sure the feelings are even more vibrant. It will be a nice piece to read again and again when memories are faded from grief or age. May those days never come.

[Richard M]

Thank you for reading Tabby. Long yes, but poems write themselves and I had things I needed to say.

[Tabby Mac]

Always write until the pen stops! It’s a beautiful piece!

[Ted Kniffen]

A wonderful tribute to your parents & yourself for that matter. They helped you & I suspect still do, but now it is your turn to provide assistance to them. Having a handicap can be a definite hindrance but it need not shut you down from doing whatever you set your mind to.
We have a grandson ... soon to be 22 yrs old who has never walked ... born with a cyst inside his spinal column that pinched the cord ... since then, it has been a series of visits to the doctors for operations and to fight infections. Still, he drives his own vehicle ... is studying finances at university and has a good job.
Your writing ability is excellent from the few things of yours that I have read.

Keep safe.

[Richard M]

Thank you Ted for reading and your thoughts. This is a poem that's been knocking around in my mind and soul for so long and great to get it out, although still evolving. Oh, I understand what you are saying Ted, and so acutely aware of my need to help and support them, as best I can, and to look after them. The years scare me!!!!! :/ But understand what you're saying. Honest thanks :)
Thank you for telling me of your grandson and I wish him well in life. I like to hear other stories, as it keeps me centred and helps me in life perspective, if you understand.
Thank you also for your compliment on my writing. Appreciated and encouraging!!
Thank you again my friend for reading :)
Richard