Welcome to Poetry Day for Story Chat Digest 2025. We will discuss these incredible poems just as we do the short stories. Any type of poem is acceptable as long as it doesn’t contain profanity, political references, or erotica and would appeal to a large audience.
What would you do different?
by Yvette Prior
What would you do different - if you knew-
death was so close for you?
Would you have traveled to see your honey?
Or spent a little more of your saved money?
Would you have added more to the fun queue?
We don’t know why your heart stopped, but it did
Was it a mix of genetics, choices, and accumulated life turbid?
I’m glad I already said my goodbyes
And it’s okay you told Clint my replies
I’m just glad our paths crossed on life’s grid
You didn’t wake up that morning in May
Leaving many shocked with little to say
All those plans for ten years from now
Assuming your schedule would actually allow
But your number was up to return to the clay
What would you do different, in those final days
If you knew this was your last life phase?
Would you buy a new truck or move to the Philippines -
Stop working so much to pursue small dreams?
Would you spend less time sitting in cyberspace?
You died suddenly in your sleep
Leaving many to sigh and weep -
existential angst as death is inevitable
Comes down to a thin casket and shovel
This vapor of life becomes one grand sweep
What would you do different, to nurture health-
less coffee, less focus on retirement wealth?
Start walking, getting out of that chair-
skip the elevator to start taking stairs?
Would you put more emphasis on nurturing self?
You left this earth at the age of fifty one
Five decades of success, but still rather young
Reminder that death is part of God's sovereign plan
A specific time and purpose for each woman and man
For you, spring 2024 became your swan song.
Maybe you’d do nothing different before your death
Perhaps you died easing into heaven’s caress
Your passing away has me pondering existence
Alert and determined to live full with persistence
Because we all - eventually take - one last breath
(Limerick poetry for a former colleague, Adam, who passed away May 27th, 2025)
***
Biography
Yvette Prior is a work psychologist, educator, researcher, and the author of numerous books and anthologies. After earning a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, she poured into waiting book projects and has not stopped writing since. Yvette finds refreshment from doing outreach, blogging, teaching yoga, researching, and spending time with family.
Fleeting
by Margaret Watson
Vague recollections can never
truly reflect emotions felt, and memories always fade.
If only we could hold moments to keep them safe.
Though thoughts will often run through our minds,
pressing our subconscious to rewind.
Once the ink has dried, the page has already turned.
A fleeting moment, now history.
Lying in the corridors of the past.
Yet still, we look back.
Hoping to recreate those emotions again.
All things are fleeting, even pain.
Only new memories can we make as time dictates.
Until, of ourselves, only vague recollections and
memories remain.
Symbolic (Haiku)
Feathers sent from me
A symbolic memory.
Our fleeting moments
Biography
You can connect with Maggie on her blog Ephemeral Encounters Read an interview with Maggie on Spillwords.
- Author, Pieces of Me: A Collection of Poems
- Author, Ephemeral Encounters (Her Book of Words): A Collection of Poetry
- Author, In the Shadow of My Pen: A Collection of Poetry and Prose
- Author, A Jar of Stars: A Collection of Poetry
- Author, Once Upon A Time: A Collection of Poetry
- Author, Me and My Shadow: A Collection of Poetry
- Contributor, The Sacred Feminine: An Open Skies Collection
- Contributor, The Lost Years: A Poetry Anthology
- Contributor, Daydreams and Lost Wishes: A Poetic Reveries Anthology
- Contributor, After Rain Skies: The Global Anthology
Something to Think About
Thanks for reading. Analyzing poetry is a different experience for short story writers and readers. Here are some questions to get you started.
- Both of our author write about losing someone, how do you celebrate the life of someone who is gone?
- How do you deal with your own grief?
- How did these works make you feel?
Attendance with Links
Thank you to everyone who attended this Story Chat Digest session. Without your input, Story Chat is an average writing challenge. Your helpful, honest comments make this like a book club. If you get a chance, check out our attendees’ blogs. It’s well worth your time. Sign up for the Story Chat Digest Email.
- C Square Educationals – Thanks for commenting.
- Carol Cooks 2 a fascinating story about food in Libya.
- D. G Kaye – a book review that reads like a movie trailer. Get your Kindle out!
- Darlene Foster’s Blog a real treat to a tour of Monet’s home.
- Ephemeral Encounters (author) a link to another of Maggie’s lovely poems and a link to her post about her Story Chat Experience.
- Jacqui Murray’s Word Dreams She highlights six novels with a mini review then a maxi one. What a clever idea.
- Keep It Alive a Peter Rabbit tale with a happy ending
- Priorhouse Blog
- Lauren Scott, Author Lauren’s latest release, and ode to her loving pet, King Copper
- Priorhouse Blog – (author) Friday Fictioners story about learning and maturing dealing with the hard knocks of life at an early age
- Raj – always with a kind word. Here’s a post about Yvette’s Story Chat Experience. Thanks Yvette and Maggie.
- Roberta Writes adorable post about chocolates and books
- Still Restless Jo – every Monday walk has something for everyone, even Becky B’s Simply Red squares.
- Unique Times With Cindy – Jump for joy – the joy of being dense. You’ll understand when you read it!
- Walking, Writing, Wit, and Whimsy
- Writing Wrinkles To know the difference between a flower and a weed, read her post for a good laugh.
Exciting Story Chat Volume II Video
I hope you enjoy the video.
Seven Amazon reviews: Thank you so much, D. L. Finn, Colleen Chesebro, Yvette Prior, Esther Chilton, Doug Jacquier, Suzette Benjamin, and Cathy Cade. I don’t think I thanked you all properly. Your reviews are epic! 🙂 xxxxxx
Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Story Chat: Online Literary Conversations
Thank you to Colleen Chesebro, Yvette Prior, and an anonymous customer for your reviews of Story Chat I. Your reviews are awesome! 🙂 xxxxxxx
Thanks again for being a great part of Always Write’s Story Chat Digest. Until next time, keep reading, writing and chatting.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
237 responses to “Story Chat Digest: July Poetry”
I enjoyed both of these, Marsha. Congrats to Yvette and Maggie.
Yvette’s poem is something that I think we all wonder about. What would we do differently if we accepted that we’re mortal? I don’t think our minds like to go there; we’re not wired that way. And then someone dies, and the question stares us in the face. So, I liked the message … but also the form, the rhyme, the repeats. I didn’t realize until the end that it was constructed of limericks. That choice was a good one – keeping the verse light though it retained its reflective quality. Nicely done.
I also liked Maggie’s poem. It’s also reflective and similar in tone. The idea that the past is gone, unchangeable, and only accessible as a memory is another important realization. We can spend time there, but the only action we can take, the only change we can effect is in the present. I liked the wistful quality, not sadness or regret, but acceptance.
A wonderful pair to share together.
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Yvette and I had a talk about using limericks for serious subjects. I used the same lighthearted form in my book when I talked about my dad’s feelings about having an imperfect child and how it marred him. For some reason limericks just seem to work when they shouldn’t sometimes, and Yvette’s has really resonnated with readers this month. The other thing that everyone has said was how perfectly the two poem complimented each other. That was one of those miracles where they both came in at the same time. This has been a year like that. I just watch and wonder!
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Yes, limericks do seem like a good option with tough subjects. They soften them a little, I think,
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So we weren’t off base, then? When I wrote mine, I thought it might be treating a serious subject too frivolously. I appreciate your expert opinion. You are a gem, my friend. 🙂 xxx
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No. Not off base at all. It works!
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You made my day! 🙂 xxx
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Such beautiful poems that remind us of the shortness and fragility of life!
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How true. I am trying to convince my husband to take a break and drive to the coast today. Break from routine.
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[…] glad so many of you are enjoying Yvette’s and Maggie’s poems on Story Chat Digest July Poetry Day. Many readers have shared their own poignant and heart-warming stories. I’ll be continuing to […]
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Hi Marsha, thank you for sharing these evocative poems. Yvette and Maggie are two wonderful writers, and I’ll take these with me when I leave to ponder over. Both touched me in different ways, so Congratulations to Yvette and Maggie for being featured here. ❤️
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Thank you for your comment, Lauren. I’d love to have you submit a poem. We’ve got 5 more months of features. 🙂 xxx
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You’re welcome, Marsha, and I’d love to submit a poem and appreciate the invitation. I didn’t see an option, so should I use your contact page? Thanks again. 💞
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You can just email me. alwayswrite01@gmail.com. There’s no restrictions on poetry except no erotica, extreme horror, or politics.
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Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us for July 2025 Poetry for story chat digest – it was my first time joining in and quite fortuitous to be paired with Maggie as our poems seemed to work well together.
And Lauren, I look forward to seeing what you submit to Marsha – because I am a fan of your writing too – and still enjoy your “More than Coffee” book
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I think we are in for a treat, Yvette. What a great title, More than Coffee.
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I wonder if Lauren will provide poetry from that book or write something new – guess it will depend on her mood and muse leading – ha
and by the way Marsha, I think I will have another entry for the story chat poetry (if we are allowed to submit more than once- and I know you said there are a handful of months left) – but I just wrote a poem about skiing – and life’s ups and downs – and maybe it will be a good fit for story chat later this year (No worries if not – and in the meantime, I will just enjoy being featured with Maggie this July!)
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Lauren’s poetry will have to be unpublished, so maybe something that didn’t make it to her book. I have tons of those, we probably all do.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed being featured with Maggie. It was a serendipitous event. All of them have been. I have a few left that authors have sent me for multiple posts, but not very many. Most come in at the last minute. Whatever works! 🙂 xxxx
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I did not realize that the poems shared would be part of SCD – and now I see why they need to unpublished ones….
hmmmm
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I think it will be a great addition. If they are published, and we had some last year that were and I didn’t know about it until afterwards. We just didn’t publish those.
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You’re welcome, Yvette, and I don’t remember ever reading a poem from you. So this was a treat and a great poem as well! You and Maggie made a powerful team in this post. And thanks for your kindness about my writing. I’m so glad you’re still enjoying More than Coffee. 🙂 I’ll need to peruse my poems and hope Marsha likes what I submit. ❤️
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I’ll sure I’ll will!
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Hi Lauren, thanks for the reply. I write a lot of poetry, but my poems are typically “not deep” because I like them to rhyme and I like free verse. Also, most of my poetry is written just for me – to process an idea or think about life. And sometimes – not often – an entire collection comes together – like it did for my Avian Friends book in 2017. I will try and share a copy with you – but the collection about birds unfolded just by writing in the yard during spring and summer – and experiencing the loss of my nephew added to the poems at that time. The book did very well on Amazon (ranked high on nature poetry and grief poetry – which I am still so pleased with). Anyhow, I think the charm of that collection was that I was writing for myself and I think if I tried to write poems for publication only – the content would not have been good.
Also, funny how grief – or death – can really fuel ideas for writing – kind of like the way my muse led me to write limericks for Adam’s passing.
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I understand, Yvette, and I read, loved, and reviewed Avian Friends. I even sent my sister a copy because she loves birds and has had several huge parrots over the years. Since then, I don’t remember reading your poetry. I’m glad you shared this beautiful and evocative piece. I just now posted about my new book release that I compiled after our dog’s passing in March. So I understand writing through grief, even though my situation was different. Hugs, my friend ❤️
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Dogs are so important in our lives, Lauren. My first husband was not emotional – ever, EXCEPT – when our dog Allicks died. That was the only time I saw him cry. He laid on the bed and tears rolled down his face. It had never happened before, and it never happened again. Dogs are special. I’m sorry for your loss, my friend.
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I get it, Marsha, and thanks so much. I’m sorry about Allicks too. ❤️
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Thanks, Lauren. I look forward to reading your book about King Copper. I ordered the print version. This is what Amazon sent me. “Expected by Mon, Aug 11.” That’s where my misunderstanding came. It probably takes longer for them to print and ship it. Much easier to do Kindle, but I wanted the print version. 🙂 xxx
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You’re welcome, Marsha, and thank you! I appreciate your support in buying a copy. I hope the poems resonate, and the photos make you smile. Well, some still bring tears, but because of the memories. I can see how busy you are on your blog, so I understand. My head is already spinning from the offers to host and getting them on the calendar. Aww, that makes sense about the 11th. 🙂 Thanks again, and have a good weekend! 💞
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By the way, you can add me to the list of offers. 🙂
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Oh my gosh, thanks, Marsha! My head is spinning like a hamster’s wheel, but it’s all good! I’ll email you with some date options. Enjoy your Sunday! xo
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Okay, I’ll get some reading done on the plane to Portland, Thursday. 🙂
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🥰
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Hi Lauren – oh my goodness, I forgot that we bonded over Avian Friends (another fruit of that special, simple book). I do not always share my poetry online because of limited time to blog. In fact, I do not do very photo challenges because I have to hand pick what I want to spend my blog time on. And one of my goals is to join in with flash fiction more – and then do some interviews.
Also, I will be getting a copy of your book about Copper – (and I have a photo of Copper in my archives from our mini interview)
and I am also am preparing to review Cora’s Quest on Amazon later this month – grandkids are back next week from being away this summer and we are going to read it together – (and plan on reviewing Marsha’s “Embracing the Power to live” which has been my go to evening read this whole last week)
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I can’t remember everything, Yvette, but I do remember your wonderful book and how much my sister loved it. I don’t do challenges either, no time, and I’m always struggling to stay caught up in reading blogs. Thank you SO much in advance for buying a copy of King Copper, and for your Cora support too. I hope your grandkids love reading about her quest. 🙂 I just bought Marsha’s book also! Happy weekend to you both! 🥰
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You just made my day, Lauren. Wow! I will get your Cora book for my friend’s great-grandkids. You’ll meet Colby as soon as you open my book. She’s almost 2 She should be reading any day now! 🙂 xxx
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Well, now you made my day because you’re buying my Copper book and Cora! I’m excited to read your book, and though my two are very different, I hope you love them both. Have a great Sunday! 💞
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Mr. Copper must have an in with Elon Musk. He just liked my comment. LOL
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I saw many comments that he liked. He is now blocked on my blog. 🤗
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I wonder what’s up with that? You know he’s not doing it personally!
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Of course not. It has to be spam. 🙂
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Awwww, you just made my day, Yvette! How exciting for both Lauren and me. I have my book on order and it should come on August 11th. I can’t wait to read it. Get out the tissues! We lost our baby about two years ago. I still miss her in spite of having Goldie.
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I didn’t know that you had lost a nephew, Yvette, or written a book of poems. What a sad loss. I don’t know how or why some poems (and stories) are deeper than others. Lack of experience, maybe, not writing it down and remembering, lack of hormones – I feel less pain (both emotional and physical) as an older person than I did at a younger age. No pain, no gain?
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Marsha – it really can be individual on the correlation with aging and pain – and glad you feel LESS – because I spent time with someone who has the opposite – and she might have had things increased – and she told me that she is an “HSP” – she explained it a bit and I looked it up later and wow –
(HSP) is someone who has increased sensitivity to sensory, emotional, and social stimuli, leading to deeper processing of information and heightened awareness of their environment. And not everyone agrees with this, but it also considered a personality innate trait, known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), where they biologically react more to stimuli such as sound, light, and emotions.
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I do get that. I am very sensitive to sound. Vince, being deaf almost is very considerate and relies on the closed captions so that he doesn’t blast me. When I get into the car after he’s driven, though, he often forgets to turn down the radio, and it is a killer.
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment lauren 🥰🤗🥰
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You’re so welcome, Maggie! Hugs! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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Hugs back to you dear Lauren xoxoxoxo
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Those words made me feel like it was only yesterday when in fact it was over 40 years ago that my first husband went to work, the time for a tea break came … his work colleagues called him and he said I’m just finishing what I am doing…on the men’s return Dave was found dead doing what he loved most working on an engine…his life was over at 40…Maybe that’s why I and my children live life to the full and why I ended up here…Tomorrow isn’t promised its a bonus…Very well written poetry which I have read a few times over…Thank you ladies xx
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That was a hard time Carol, I did not know the details of how you lost your first husband. We have to accept whatever length of life we’re given and make the most of it.
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This is so true, Janet. My first husband died young, too. He did live to the fullest of his ability, and I was proud of him.
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Absolutely and thats why every day I wake up I say thank you for being given another day and very rarely don’t take every opportunity if its something I want to do x
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Amen to that! 🙂 xxx
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Wow, Carol, that is really young. What a terrible shock for you and your children, extended family, and for everyone around him. I am so sorry for your loss even though it was 40 years ago.
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Yes it was a shock but thank you,Marsha….x
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Thanks for sharing. I’m glad that Yvette’s poem spoke to you.
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It truly did, Marsha very much xx
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Carol! wow – I did not know about your loss and so young – wow – I can see how it has seasoned you (and no pun intended with you being a food writer) – I also loved how you added the bonus to the line about tomorrow:
Tomorrow isn’t promised – its a bonus
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I’m always glad to see it coming. 🙂 xxx
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😊😊
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Carol, I am also glad you said both poems spoke to you and we appreciate your feedback
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Carol, thank you for your lovely comment.
Yvette’s poem does give a pause for thought and i can see how it resonated with you.
Tomorrow is definately not promised.
Take care xx
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[…] Tags:alwayswrite, fleeting, gratefulheart, poems, poetry, priorhouse Story Chat Digest: July Poetry […]
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Yvette’s poem is heartfelt and a wonderful tribute to her friend. Yes, as you said in your blog post Yvette, the idea that tomorrow is not promised is something I think of more and more these days, not only because I am getting older, of course, but the world around us is becoming a scary place when it seems that sometimes just stepping outside your home you say an extra prayer that you hope you return home safely.
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It is, Linda. Thanks for your lovely response.
I can’t get Yvette’s poem off my mind. It percolates. We all have close call stories, but this poor guy was not suspecting anything, and it was a last call. Thanks again for visiting Story Chat.
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Yes, it’s very sad Marsha and it hits harder when it is a young person. We need to live each day to the fullest, whenever we can.
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Yes, and we need frequent reminders to do that!
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Linda, thanks for coming over from my post to read the poems featured here today – and also for reminding us to “live each day to the fullest” – also, Marsha, I like how you worded it that Adam was “not suspecting anything” and when I first met him, he constantly talked about what he wanted to do when he retired in 2033. And it is good to plan – we need to plan, but we just never know what a day might bring forth in this vapor of life – and that is another reason why I liked how Maggie’s Fleeting poem followed Adam’s limericks – and her line “Only new memories can we make as time dictates” reminds me that we cannot assume timelines….
thanks again for joining us, Linda
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Yvette, thanks for sharing this haunting poem on Story Chat. It’s been on my mind since I read it.
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Truly my pleasure and I was going thru some files and found the friendship poem I originally wanted to share for the July Poetry month. I realized that the friendship poem also would have went well with Maggie’s Fleeting poem – because it was about memories and how they become our history – however, with that said, I am still pleasantly surprised with the way the poems sync and your platform for writers is very special.
I like how Story Chat has evolved into the digest.
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I’ll tell Vince that you like the Digest. That was his brain-child. 🙂 xxx
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🙂🙂
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You’re very welcome Yvette – the old adage of “seizing the moment” becomes more and more important, no matter your age.
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how true!
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Yes!!
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Thank you so much for reading Linda xo
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You’re welcome Maggie.
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These poems are both very powerful. I like the way Yvette’s talks to the colleague that she lost. It’s such an effective way to express the meaning behind the words. It connects with us and makes us think about our own lives and the things we choose to do. It’s a reminder that life is short.
Maggie’s also highlights the fleeting nature of life. It’s succinctly told and I love the haiku.
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I’m glad you liked the combination of the two, Esther. I was amazed that they came in at about the same time on such complimentary topics. 🙂 xxx
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Hi Esther, you really summed up what I was trying to do with the poem – it was about and “to” Adam, but also to the reader – and I am so glad that came across. Also, I really think that my choice of limericks for Adam was related to joining in with your Monday limerick challenge. Primed me!
Glad you liked both poems (and Maggies bonus haiku) and also that you took the time to leave a comment.
xxx
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💗💗
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😊
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Esther thank you so much for your lovely comment.
It was an honour for me to have my work sit along side Yvette’s and both poems worked so well together.
I am also grateful to Marsha for giving me the opportunity xo
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💗💗
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[…] Story Chat Digest: July Poetry […]
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[…] Story Chat Digest: July Poetry […]
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Both of these poems resonate with me as both reflect the essence of humanity. Yvette’s poem about death, especially a fairly young death, interests me. I have known two men in their 50s who’ve suffered covid-related strokes and both have reassessed their lives. A near brush with death does make you relook at life and often people make changes as the things that are really important in life push through the everyday stresses and strains of life.
Maggie’s poem is also interesting. Memory is more of an impression than a clear picture. We remember moments of joy because they usually result from something very eventful in our lives like getting married or having a baby. We remember the loss of death or betrayal as these things are very significant in our lives. It’s interesting that we don’t really remember pain especially pain associated with childbirth. The joy of the child diminishes the process to get there.
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I haven’t been a mother, but I look at all the tribulations mothers go through after the babies are born, too. Sicknesses, hurts, emotional traumas, financial woes as they get older. My 78-year-old friend is still providing care and financial support for both her girls in their fifties as they have needed due to sicknesses and health issues, and of course, their children and grandchildren.. I felt orphaned when my mother died when I was 54. She mothered us all the way to age 80. And we mothered her some, too.
Having had several possible close calls with death, I agree, it does make you reassess your life. Maybe not enough, though. Things like diet and exercise are minor changes, and even they can be so embedded that we don’t budge much after a brush with death, she said after an ice cream binge last night.
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I think a brush with death teaches you to make exceptions and live life. The odd ice cream binge is a good thing. I have been through the mill with my sons and health and I think Michael will always need my help and support 🌈💙⭐️
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Both Vince and my parents had one child like that. I’m proud of how much progress they both have made as older adults. They still need some support, but in the past year they are both alone for the first time in their lives. My bro is 71, and Vince’s sister is 73.
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That is pretty old to finally achieve independence for a child. I think this is what lies ahead for me. The things we do not know when we fall pregnant and everyone is so thrilled for us ❤️🩹
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This is so true. It is pretty old, but both of them have had some major handicaps to overcome. They are not totally independent, either of them, but, who is?
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Financially, I’ve always had to be independent. My dad went insolvent when I was 13 years old.
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Wow, Robbie. That’s a lot of pressure on you. My parents divorced when I was 15, so I totally get insolvency. Randy and I started working on a paper route when I was about that age and he was 11. Dad made good money, but Mom took us out of state. Technically, I don’t think he was required to pay child support, if she did that. He did pay sometimes. Mom said not always, but we had help from my grandparents, her parents, we all worked, and watched our pennies. It made us stronger.
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Yes, hardship does make us stronger. I do worry about having enough money as an adult though. I am also an anxious person. That is why I work so hard 💜
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I understand that. I was driven internally to become a teacher. Fortunately, that pays pretty well here, and I was able to provide for us when my first husband was no longer able to work.
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You are a strong woman, Marsha. Hats off to you.
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We have that connection, along with a strong faith.
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Robbie, thanks for your replies to the poems today. I also liked how the poems went well together and Watson’s Fleeting poem still has me thinking about memory and especially the way pain can easily be forgotten.
Also, thanks for sharinh about the two men (in their 50s) who have reassessed their lives after the strokes – so glad to hear they have another chance to move forward. And I know that 51 is not super young, but felt too young and truly has reminded me to embrace each day….
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Hi Yvette, I enjoyed these poems very much. Thank you for your lovely reply 🫶
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Thanks author Robbie, and I hope you have a great ending to the month of July…
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Thank you, Yvette. I am working on my poems for you.
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oh wonderful!
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Marsha, your comment about working the paper route reminded me of the days the newspaper delivery was a common thing (and quote a nice memory of those I knew who had a paper route) – and it sounds like that work gave you, and your brother, an early start with building grit, and resiliency. 😉
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We both worked hard. He often helped me on my chores – like babysitting, too. He was a great worker.
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how awesome
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Robbie , thank you so much for your lovely comment!
You are right, a brush with death does teach us to live our lives💖
No one knows how much time they have left, and I think we get bogged down sometimes with things that are not important.
Your support is always appreciated, thanks again !
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My pleasure, Maggie. My husband’s stroke in Jan 2023 also impacted my attitude towards life. It’s a game changer.
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Robbie , I can only imagine that 🙄
Life is so very fragile isnt it.
We should make the most of it while we are here and treasure the moments and people we have in our lives 💖
Hugs
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I agree.
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🙏
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I’m glad he is better and you are able to travel!
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🩷
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Hi Marsha. Both poems evoked different shades of loss to me. As I’m almost finished writing a book about grief, I must say how much Yvette’s poem moved me. Such a big question, ‘what would you do different’, for those who might of had a chance with warning. Very moving, Hugs xx
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I’m sure that was her intent, Deb. While we don’t know how much time we have, I was thinking as I was counting steps on the rebounder that a proverb that I can’t quote exactly tells us to number our days. As I try to get in 10,000-14,000 steps a day, each hour the minutes slip by like unruly strands of hair.
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That’s a great way of putting it Marsha – the hours and minutes slip by much too fast these days. 🙂
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They are on the run! 🙂 xxx
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🥰
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Deb, best wishes with your book about grief. I am glad that the timing of my poem connected with you at this specific time – and also, I am curious to see how your book comes out because I am beginning to realize that the world needs more and more grief resources because it is such an individual response as bereavement can vary greatly for each person.
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Thank you Yvette. Exactly how I felt when I began writing the book. There isn’t enough education on what grievers go through or what they need. I hope I can help to fill that void. 💙
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You might check out the GriefShare program. There were several groups held in different places all over Prescott, and I know it’s available in other cities, too. I was in a women’s group led by a psychologist a year or so ago. She limited the number of us to six. It was such a deep experience, even though it wasn’t specifically about grief, it was intense and life-changing. Grief and loss often trigger life-changing experiences. Good luck with your new book, my friend.
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Thank you for that Marsha. xx
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I hope it is useful. It’s very intense from what I’ve seen. Of course, grief is intense.
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well I look forward to reading it when it comes out.
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Thanks again Yvette xx
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;0)
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me too xxx
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🙂
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There was a program in Prescott that I was going to teach Grief Share in our church. The former leader and I didn’t have enough time to get our act together before it was scheduled to start, so it never happened. One of my neighbors coordinated the program for the entire city. She moved to Colorado Springs just before we moved to California, and we never got the chance to work together on it, but it is a great resource. I’m sure there is always a big need.
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Wow, you both ended up moving – ? Another reminder about how sometimes change comes our way in a surprise manner just like death can creep in.
Well it seems like you have great memories from Arizona, and now that you both live in new places, Maggie’s words from her poem come to mind: Only new memories can we make as time dictates…
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Yes, we had such a close friendship with 3 neighbors even after we moved a few miles away to Cindy’s condo. Then we both moved and left Kathy and Dan all alone. But They are two of the friendliest people I know. They were the couple that inspired my poem called Aging Gracefully in Embracing the Power to Live.
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Hi – I just found the Aging Gracefully poem (In Chapter 9) and now it will take on a little more meaning for me because you mentioned the couple here.
🙂
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They are so adorable. He has Parkinson’s and yet they are always on the move whenever he is able. She still works as a counselor doing video conferencing. She’s busy every day for several hours in the afternoon, then evenings are social. I loved living near them. They were fun, loving and such an inspiration.
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment Deb 🙏🤗
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Just sayin’ 😍
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😘
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Beautiful poems reflecting loss, questions and memories that life on. They truly give voice to life and death. So young at 51, we never know what life brings us and why which is such a mystery! ❤️
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It is such a mystery. My brother drank for years, smoked like a chimney, and he’s still alive at 71, and fairly healthy. He was dancing the other day and did the twist down to the floor. I couldn’t do that when I was 13. He has quit both of those bad habits, but life is still a mystery.
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Thank you so much, Cindy G., for your comment on our poems here today. I am still smiling at how well The Fleeting poem seemed to go with “What would you do Different?’ – and longevity puzzles me too, Marsha, how some folks have bodies that just seem to handle wear and tear (and bad habits) more than others. So many variables and all of it makes me want to embrace the day and glad to still make new memories….
xxx
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You’re so very welcome, Yvette! You dream these things up perfectly and I agree we keep making memories and keep on trucking!
💕
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Yes, and I wanted to write a poem for Adam and never would have imagined the Limerick pattern (AABBA) would have been my choice. But my muse led me there and I was able to use limericks for reflection (and Marsha noted that limericks are usually for usually fun and witty – and some can be crude – but we can also use limericks for any topic)
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Always trust the muse! It works for you and never fails which is clearly shown!! 🩷🙌
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hugs
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😇🙏🩷
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We both did, which I find amazing because I’ve never read another limerick like that – serious – besides ours.
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That is so true. It’s such a shock when someone young dies. When my first husband was so sick, he had the nicest doctor, who was about his age – 40s maybe early 50s. It was a huge shock to read in the paper one morning that he had died of a heart attack before my husband who had such a frail body. Your comments and poem are so appropriate.
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we really never know what someone has going on at the cellular level – and whew – all this chat does make me feel grateful to be alive
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Amen to that! You know a lot about my 9+ lives. I live in God’s protective bubble, I know. Otherwise, I would have died years ago. All the stories I could share put my teeth on edge.
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Cindy thank you so much for your comment ❤️
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Of course, Maggie!
🩷🩷🩷🩷
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What a poem, Yvette–“What would you do differently”. It will stay with me.
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An what would your answer be? We can’t go back, but would you change any part of your life’s direction? Habits, friendships, activities?
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Jacqui, thanks for reading and for the comment. Adam’s passing away at 51 is still a bit of a shock and Watson’s Fleeting poem seemed the perfect pairing here today.
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Thank you so much for reading Jacqui 🤗
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Maggie is my favorite poet on WP. Her poems are always meaningful and carry great insights into human emotions. Beautiful poetry my friend.
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I agree, Sadje. She has a depth that is hard to reach. Her poems always speak to me. I have a few more to share in upcoming months, too. 🙂 xxx
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Thank you too Marsha for allowing me this space 🥰xx
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You are welcome, Maggie. It is a fun place to be. 🙂 xxx
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It is Marsha 🥰xx
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That’s great. Looking forward to reading them.
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Sadje that is so lovely of you to say my friend.
Thank you from my heart.
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It’s the truth dear friend.
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You are very kind Sadje.
Thanks again.
Have a blessed day 🙏
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You too my friend
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Thank you Sadje!
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My pleasure
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Sadje, Watson’s work was new to me and I enjoyed her poem here a lot. Also, I think it was an honor to be paired up with her work in this post.
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Very true Yvette, Maggie is such a wonderful writer and poet. I love her poetry and though she’s been writing for 3-4 years only her work is very mature and heartfelt
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I agree, Sadje. Her writing has a ethereal quality, like a feather floating down from heaven,
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Oh wow! Excellent description
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Thanks!
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You’re very welcome
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Marsha 🙏thank you very much 💕
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Hi – I did not realize that she has only been writing for 3 to 4 years – but then again, I know some writers who have 20 years in and it does not necessarily make their work more appealing – hahah –
and what I liked about her poem (at least since my last read, because it is the kind of prose that one reads a few times) but I liked the way ideas were woven and a bit peppered in as opposed to being linear.
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Yes, your analysis is correct. She is comparatively new to WP but has already published a book of poetry and is part of many anthropologies. A very good writer
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that is awesome
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Very much so. 👏🏼👍🏼
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yes, indeed!
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🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
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Thank you Sadje for all your support and kind words.
Thank you also, Marsha and Yvette and sincere apologies to you all for only seeing these comments now 🥰 xo
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You’re as always very welcome dear friend
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Great observation, Yvette! I like that, peppered not linear.
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and I guess there is a time where both can work – but I like her approach with idea flow.
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I do too. I think her style is fabulous.
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Thank you again Sadje 😘
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My pleasure 🫶🏼
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🙏🙏
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💕💕
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Yvette, I met Maggie such a short time ago and fell in love with her work. When I got the two poems, I was amazed at how well they fit together.
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It all lined up so well
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It was my honour too Yveette 💕 thank you
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;0)
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Yvette’s poem holds a special significance for me as I often think on these lines. I’m no stranger to death as I’ve lost many people to death, including my mom when I was 6. Would we act differently if we knew it was our last day on earth? Perhaps- but than only the very critically ill know that death is near. Love this poem Yvette. A light hearted look at the most sure and inevitable part of life- death
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Great comment. I’m sure so many think about this topic, though we don’t choose it to discuss very often. I’m so sorry you lost your mom. You often talk about your amazing relationship with your dad, and I’m sure he worked very hard to make your life as enjoyable as possible since you had to suffer that terrible loss.
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Thank you Marsha. Yes he was the best dad ever, but I missed my mom growing up and perhaps missed out on what a mother- daughter bond is like.
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Some are better than others, my friend. I felt that way about missing out on having kids, but a friend reminded me that for Mother’s Day, her kids told her what they wanted her to cook, and where they wanted to go afterwards, and what they wanted her to buy them. We have what we have. My sister-in-law does little but complain about her mother. My other mother-in-law and her daughter didn’t get along either. I was blessed beyond belief, but I didn’t care for my dad. We just need to pick up love where we can get it, I think. You are a wealth of loving kindness, so I think you have done well getting the love you needed to turn you into you. Does any of that make sense. I have not had a glass of wine. LOL!
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Thank you Marsha. Yes I get you completely and you’re right that we should take love from where we find it. I am very lucky to have a wonderful father and then my in laws were amazing too.
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It shows all over you, my friend. 🙂 xxx
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Very kind of you dear friend
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Sadje, thanks so much for sharing that you have experience with loss. And not to sound cheesy, but I am sure this has contributed to your talent for writing and sharing rich content (you know, getting sculpted and scourged can fuel rich writing). Also, loved the last part of your comment with the sobering reminded that death is “the most sure and inevitable part of life”- whew….
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Thank you Yvette. I appreciate your kind words my friend. In my language- Urdu there is a saying that only a person with broken heart can write good poetry. 🥰
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I think we all need to have experience some of that to be humble and relatable. Pain hits everyone sometime, and poetry gives us a way to deal with it.
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Very true Marsha.
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I think I agree with that saying – and feel like the humble pie that life brings can also be fuel for excellent writing – 🥰
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Very right my friend. If we have experienced pain, we can write about these emotions better
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;0)
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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If we haven’t, we can only sound trite unless we have a great deal of empathy.
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So true dear friend 💖
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I agee Sadje 😪
PaIn makes good wri
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ting material.
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Yes indeed.
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That is a good saying Sadje !
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It would put the fear of God in most of us if we knew when we were going to die. Adam had no warning or opportunity to change his lifestyle and the regrets will be those of his family and close friends, who might know the answers. We do, most of us , know when we’re making bad choices but it seldom stops us. Yvette is a lady who puts a lot of effort into nutrition and lifestyle, but not everyone is so well informed. They’re all valid questions she asks. Carole’s poetry feels more personal. We all have regrets xx
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So true, dear Jo. One verse says it all. “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.” It’s impossible to avoid all the bad choices that come our way, but the fear of God eliminates a few of the stupider ones, then the lesser dangers come to light as we age and realize those choices might need a little readjusting. Thus, I move every hour, even if just a minute or two of walking or bouncing.
Maggie’s poetry is deep and passionate. I loved her book, Pieces of Me. Sometimes I lament that my writing doesn’t have much depth, but then it takes being in the bottom of the pit, so to speak, to write about it. I’ve been blessed, so I’ll be grateful that my writing lacks a little passion.
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Hi Restless Jo, thanks so much for your comments on my poem and Watson’s poetry.
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Marsha , thank you so much for publishing my poems here 💕
Yvette’s poem does give pause for thought.
When someone is taken at a relatively young age, it has to make you re-evalue your own.
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Re-evaluate and appreciate, for sure.
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Absolutely 🤗
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Margaret, thank you for saying that my poem gave pause for thought. I also felt yours did too – I have read it three times and still find little takeaways – and I am honored to be paired up with you for this poetry feature on Always Write.
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Hi Yvette.
That is very kind of you to say.
Thank you so much
for your kind words.🙏🤗
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🙏🤗
we will always have this fun connection of being published together at Story Chat!
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Yes 🥰🤗
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;0)
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I love that! xxxxx
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🙂🙂
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A moving selection this month.
What a lovely way to go – unknowing, unexpected. It’s only those left behind who suffer. (My husband’s father died in his sleep. His mother was anoyed that he hadn’t said goodbye… but I think she was alredy losing it by then.)
We delve into our memories when we lose someone, but memories often bring regrets. We can’t change the past; better to live in the present, while we have one.
Although small reminders will still prompt memories to pop up unexpectedly from tme to time.
All very poignant
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Lovely words, Cathy. Vince’s father died in his sleep, too. I think that’s a blessing. He was 86, so a long-lived life. The fellow in Yvette’s poem was much younger, and I sense a great deal of regret on Yvette’s part that he might have avoided an early demise by a change in habits. That might work in some cases, but as you know, not in all. Death and life are such mysteries.
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Hi Cathy – thanks for your comments about the poems here today – and without minimizing the loss that comes with a death, passing away during sleep does sound like an easy way to pass on. Cathy, I also liked your note about regrets because I know some folks can get heavy in regret mode – and it adds another layer when thinking about it with memories and loss.
And Marsha, you are so right about death and life having so many mysterious sides – with many variables out of our reach.
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Beautiful sharing story chat.
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Thanks, Raj.
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Most welcome , Marsha 😊
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Raj, thanks for joining us for this poems.
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Both of these poems describe grief well, poignant and emotional. Yvette Prior’s poem asks relevant questions and makes the reader think as we question our own mortality. Margaret Watson’s poem says so much with few words. Well done to both poets.
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I agree, Darlene. Death is not an issue that we usually talk about seriously. It’s one thing in a murder mystery and quite another in a friend. My best friend just lost her husband a week ago, so, it was interesting timing that both poems that came in for this month were about that topic. Thanks for your comment. 🙂 xxx
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Darlene, thanks for your comment and I am still marveling at how the poems paired so well this month. I thought Marsha planned it – and either way, our styles are different here today – and the content has different flavors – yet syncs so well with content. May we all find ways to embrace today (because tomorrow is not promised and life can be such a vapor that is fleeting) so, may we all find ways to keep memories safe and cherish the ones that need to be preserved.
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Interesting!
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Have you written any poems as odes to friends? I find writing about them to be cathartic.
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Thank you for joining us this week, Caleb
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