you are the candle
i just want to say that i see you
pouring love onto
the sidewalk
doing your best
every day
to fill in all the cracks
i see you standing there
alone and afraid
and giving
and giving
and giving
burning bright
not just at both ends
but in a circle you’ve drawn
all around us
keeping the darkness at bay
you’ve outrun the odds
and the lot of us
beaten strife down
with the soles of two feet
always moving
taking you places
you’d rather run through
valleys of burden
and pits
of responsibility
and i want
to carry your heart
to the top of the mountain
feed you sun and
silent breezes
wash your blisters and build you
a sky-high fire
to throw enough light
for you to find
your own reflection
i just want to say that i see you
.
for nana
.
.
.
October 27th, 2015 at 9:22 am
What struck me most about your poem were the first and last lines. I think that everyone wants to be seen; and sometimes I think it is the eldest in our lives who need to be told this MOST of all. It sounds as if Nana has been a very active(feet always moving) and giving person, and this poem shows deep appreciation and love.
October 27th, 2015 at 11:26 am
Thank you … this warmed me through and through.
October 27th, 2015 at 1:08 pm
This is exactly what I always wanted to say to my husband’s grandmother. I never did say it before she died, but I conveyed it in the touch of my hand and in the way I looked into her eyes. We both felt this extreme connection with one another, having walked similar paths. Beautiful work, Kelly. And such an excellent prompt.
October 27th, 2015 at 2:06 pm
A very moving tribute ~ I specially love this part:
and i want
to carry your heart
to the top of the mountain
feed you sun and
silent breezes
October 27th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
This is so great way to show love… the last part particularly… to give light enough to show reflection… what an absolutely perfect conclusion.
October 27th, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Filling in sidewalk cracks with love…what a marvelous image, Kelly. I can see that these oh-so-poignant poems need to be swallowed in small doses (I’ve just read backwards, up to your poem.) Very powerful prompt you gave us today.
October 27th, 2015 at 3:54 pm
This was very moving. Thank you for sharing it
October 27th, 2015 at 3:56 pm
I knew that reading some of the postings on this topic may bring some misty eyes. What a loving and beautiful tribute to your nana. And I agree with Mary, people want to be seen and acknowledged…we all need that from our loved ones.
October 27th, 2015 at 4:06 pm
someone to notice, and to let us know…even absent ego, all need to a degree. nicely done.
October 27th, 2015 at 4:17 pm
Beautiful imagery and lots of obvious love. Loved this.
October 27th, 2015 at 6:10 pm
Such a heartfelt write. Loved these lines:
and i want
to carry your heart
to the top of the mountain
feed you sun and
silent breezes
Beautifully executed.
Lots of love,
Sanaa
October 27th, 2015 at 6:32 pm
Beautiful ! The subject was on my mind before you posted since I’ve had a very challenging two months.
October 27th, 2015 at 8:05 pm
not just at both ends
but in a circle you’ve drawn
all around us
keeping the darkness at bay
This is relevant not just to the grandparents but also the parents. One is protected while they sacrifice themselves for our well-being. Beautiful write Kelly!
Hank
October 27th, 2015 at 9:51 pm
So so beautiful.
Thanks for writing this:)
-jennifer
October 27th, 2015 at 11:29 pm
It’s interesting how those who give so much of themselves are often the last to see how much value they add to the world around themselves.
October 28th, 2015 at 1:37 am
This is a powerful tribute that acknowledges the human need to be seen and known even when one draws no attention to oneself. I live the “I see you, especially “I see you standing there alone and afraid and giving and giving and giving.”
October 28th, 2015 at 10:31 am
This is a beautifully written poem. So elegant and the message couldn’t be any clearer. Your love for your nana is certainly present. I’m sure she really appreciates the love you share with her.
October 28th, 2015 at 4:35 pm
What a clear and memorable image of pouring and pouring love like molten tarmac to fill in the cracks. A loving tribute to a remarkable and giving woman.
October 29th, 2015 at 8:55 am
Am exploring the links today and love the title of your blog. The poem is a beautiful expression of light and love. Yes, being able to see people and nature is so important.
November 4th, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Oh wow…this is a touching heart-written poem…thank you, for sharing this…I especially love this piece…
” i want
to carry your heart
to the top of the mountain
feed you sun and
silent breeze”
amazing…I feel that way about my 93 yr old Grammy…I’d love her to experience mt top.