Monday, December 16, 2013

Hommage an meine Schwester

My eldest sister, Irene, was a bit older than me when I was born.  It was so cool having a big sister who had the maturity of a parent figure but the understanding of....well... a sister.  I have countless memories with her and the life lessons she taught me. She taught me to have courage. When I was ill and needed help, I called her and said "Come". She was there in less than 24 hours.  In the maelstrom of my divorce and single parenthood she carried me. I have so many, many more instances of her compassion and dedication, but I hope these words will somehow cover all she has been and still is to us and our family.

She is June's brilliant bloom
In a garden choked by weeds
Golden and shining and proud
Only sunlight may kiss
Let showers caress
's no vessel worthy
Of holding this flower
Blossom whose beauty is power


She is California sunlight
And a Cape Cod breeze
New Awlins dahlin'
More than a peach
She's a plum
The heady Jasmine
On a still humid night
Before the rains
have begun


She's the Queen of Sheba
I reign, I rein  

(Hold it...Hold it...Hold It til It Hurts)   
Oh but her scepter is peace
And the crown that she wears
Of nobility rare
Garnered from
Loss outside grief



She is a place of solace
That bids me welcome
Without a word
She shhh's the roiling tempest
Until calamity has passed
Stilling every raucous wave
Safe harbor from all harm
Not father's face
Nor mother's embrace
But in my sister's arms


She is a balm of healing
Her prayers the Sukkah
Of our lives
Entwined with hope beneath
An arduous sheath
Moments erring or
Despairing
Comfort is only then derived
Not from lover’s touch
Nor from mere good luck
My sage sister will she rise

2 comments:

  1. This is my second response. I inadvertently erased the first one (technologically challenged). I want to thank you for such a heartwarming and thoughtful expression of love. I feel honored and blessed. He truly is an on-time God. I have been in a bit of turmoil trying to figure out where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing. My mind and my body have not been cooperating, so, I have been praying for discernment in my life overall. Sometimes when we are worn ("Come to me, all of you who are tired (weary) from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 GNB), we make decisions that are not the best for ourselves. We often wonder why we are still here and what to do next in our lives. I do thank God everyday for my children, my grandson, my siblings, my nieces and nephews, my many cousins and my friends who have become like family. I pray for each and every one of you daily and have special prayers dedicated to all of you in my daily affirmations. I am at a crossroads in life and have not yet figured out which road to take, but I do know that God is working in my life. I know that your very special poetry that He has inspired you to write for me is one of my many blessings and another sign to keep me moving forward and to not give up. ("But those who trust in (wait on) the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not get weak." Isaiah 40:31 GNB)
    So little sister, thank you, thank you, thank you! I thank you for the effort, the time and the thoughtfulness. I thank you for being!!! Love you much and may God continue to bless you and yours, Irene (your other big sister)

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    1. I have started and re-started this poem for several months now...last night, I could not sleep until it was finished. It is all you...God inspired the vision. He is holding us all in His hands and I know He is moving. Thank you for being faithful, for never giving up on me/us, and for always believing the best, wanting the best, praying for the best in all of our lives. May it come back to you one thousand-fold. I love you!

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