For Bob at 3 a.m.
some reaching you from the city edge
some mountained by scenic views
others driving distances
or hopskotching those bumps in the road
we've come empty-handed except for love and prayer
why bring the detritus of life
when needed is one good story
a glass of your favorite wine
or that lovely red-head sleeping curled in a chair
we know the main crux of your journey
is too familiar and often solitary
but no journey is without a porter
or the barmaid or someone offering
thoughts on architecture or small cafes
seasons await you, the bird feeders,
the anxious dogs, the neighbors calling,
all those trees outside your window
bending strong, you attentive to
the head wind but not giving in
My mom wrote this poem for Bob last night, or early this morning, technically . . . my mom is a wonderful poet. I ramble, she flows. Made me cry. . . We are all waiting for you, Bob, to get better. You have no idea how many people are praying for you, near and far . . . I don't even think I realize the scope of it . . .
I thought this was so lovely, it deserved an entry of its own. Love you Bob, love you Mom.
Jen Dear - I knew with the first line it was your mom's poem, and it made me cry too. Your mom is an incredibly gifted poet and writer. When I saw the poems she brought back from her week in Iowa last summer I was just blown away. I think having her own place in St. Peter is going to make her blossom even more! I'm anxious to see her new apartment - it sounds so cool. She's supposed to be coming up tomorrow to spend the night and gather more belongings to take back. The weather doesn't look to promising though so that trip may have to wait. Winter just gets in the way at times!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, my days and nights are filled with thoughts of Bob and you and the strange journey you both are on. It brings back memories to me of a journey I took .....I think about 17 years ago........and I hope and pray his journey is as successful as mine was.
Well, now I need to go find a kleenex ...my eyes are dripping, and worse yet my nose is running!
With Hugs and Kisses and Love to both of you,
Auntie Pat
Of course it was your Mom..... Thanks, Kathy, for starting the water works....Absolutely beautiful......
ReplyDeleteThank you for synthesizing so beautifully the feelings so many of us have for Bob, for Jen, for the situation but just aren't able to articulate you do, mama. Thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all--mama, Nenni, Bubo, Penny, Jim, and those lovely souls praying each and every day.
Nenny, you are the loveliest of ramblers and we wait for your every word. Bob....can't tell you how excited I am about the poem you are writing...but like I said, I think 'there once was a girl from Nantucket" might be copyrighted.
ReplyDeleteLuv you both and am thinking of you all day. Hi to Jim and Penny. I'm over at 1776 drinking wine with Pat. Cheers to both of you.
Bob - We are praying for you and love you!!
ReplyDeleteMary and Ann Sterzinger