Homework 28th March - Safe Passage

[Catherine Lee]

Safe Passage

As fingers of your memory caress those anxious eyes,
I watch you gradually relax to breathe contented sighs.
You’re lucid only sometimes - in your mind’s eye far away,
upon the ocean swell enjoying nature’s grand display.
It isn’t hard to tell when you are back where you belong,
with mainsail tightened perfectly, propelling you along;
the taste of salt, the bracing wind, the sun to warm your face,
the thrill and expectation as you strive to win a race...

But suddenly the nurse returns, the spell abruptly breaks;
confusion reigns - you’re vulnerable, your withered body quakes.
For here you lie in sorry state, the four walls hem you in;
your trembling breaks my heart anew - your thin and cobwebbed skin.
Though moments of coherence bring rare smiles that seem serene,
the inner fear controls with turmoil merciless and keen.
Exposed and dazed, you now appear too helpless and alone
to meet the heart of darkness on that voyage of unknown.

You venture out no longer on those wild and open seas—
a raging storm within replaces energising breeze
to speed you on your crucial journey way beyond the bar
to realms unseen, mysterious and infinitely far.
“For God’s sake, bring relief!” I hiss. At last the doctor comes—
obliges with a kindly shot to which your mind succumbs.
A short but agonising wait until your pleas subside
is borne through strength of will alone, to mask my grief inside.

Then finally it’s clear that in your soul you have returned
to where you are the happiest, those days for which you’ve yearned,
for bliss lights up your features and the tension disappears—
you cry with joy to journey down that passageway of years.
I realise you’re clearly seeing sails immense and white—
you’ll raise that splendid spinnaker to aid your rapid flight,
release the boom to tack and gybe, with courage now regained—
anxiety replaced with peace, excitement unconstrained…

A whisper on the breeze conveys the message you have gone—
your tranquil smile assures me angels guide your spirit on.
I touch your hand and through my tears I murmur, “Let it be,
for now it’s time to navigate that vast and final sea;
so bon voyage my darling one, until we meet again—
my faith in our reunion will bring comfort and sustain.
I know the sun will rise for you beyond that distant shore,
where free of pain you’ll sail forever free and safe once more.”

Catherine Lee

[Terry]

Beautiful words on a very difficult subject Catherine

Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

As fingers of your memory caress those anxious eyes

An especially beautiful metaphor, Catherine - in a word rich and evocative poem.

Your mind has gone down a similar path to mine with these prompts. As soon as I read them, the image of my dying mother rose forcibly to mind. Regretfully however (with apologies to Maureen), I don't think I'll be able to contribute a poem at the moment.

Cheers, Shelley

[Maureen K Clifford]

Don't be sorry Shelley - we all get tied up with real life at times....that has to come first.

[Maureen K Clifford]

A sad subject but beautifully and sensitively handled Catherine and oh boy you certainly made great use of the prompts in this write ... Well done.

[Bob Pacey]

You construct your poems so beautifully Cath.


A sad tale beautifully told.


Bob

[Catherine Lee]

Thank you so much Terry, Shelley, Maureen and Bob for your very kind and encouraging words....And Shelley, you are in my thoughts especially at this time xx

[mummsie]

A beautiful write Catherine that flows with ease and paints the scene. A sad one at that.

Sue

[Catherine Lee]

Thank you Sue - and congratulations once again on your wonderful recent achievement!

[alongtimegone]

Bloody Brilliant Catherine!
Wazza