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The Pond In Our Backyard
Our pond in the back yard at the bottom of the hill
Winters left it lifeless, frozen silent, at a stand still
The heat from my skates carved life in the chill
But, now that you're gone, the rain has lost its will
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Spring thaws this prison with promises to fulfill
Florals, fauna, weeping willow, join the potent distill
Your name the prayer from the mockingbird's bill
But, now that you're gone, the rain has lost its will
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Summers on the swing down by humming fertile swill
Green stagnant home of life breathes upon the gill
The pond melds with inhabitants a fusion mix of dill
But, now that you're gone, the rain has lost its will
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Time's changing hands point the slide downhill
Life in the pond, now quieter, as leaves fill the nil
Keeps pace with the silence in the home uphill
Now rain falls on empty in the absence of its will
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The skates are long gone as sure as the thrill
Pivoting dance of innocence was lost in a spill
Do you watch over mom, do you know she's ill
Now that you're gone, dad, she's lost her will
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The depth and complexity of my mom and dad's love made it impossible for me to choose one beautiful piece of music to adequately match their devotion to one another. My mother is undergoing a heart procedure today and I felt a strong need to tell you, my support system, my friends, my extended family, about the greatest love I've ever witnessed, my mom and dad's. My mom has spent the years since his death, seven-years ago, missing him, never getting accustomed to his absense nor acquiesing to acceptance that life still holds beauty. Without dad, life is a compromise and lacked it's greatest beauty for her. I ask for you, my friends, to please think of her today, as I am, with love.
As a word of explanation, the Andy Williams song was chosen in remembering a story my mom shared with me. When dad came to mom's home to pick her up for their first date, her brother, my uncle Kenneth, opened the door and was amazed by dad's resemblance to Andy Williams. He hollered from the door to my mom, "Hilda, Andy's here!" My dad, not knowing what my uncle was referring to, was jealous, as he thought he was mistaken for another boyfriend!
A special thanks to my brilliant friend, epigramman, in his help as the music master in suggestions for accompanying this piece. Thank you, Colin.
Comments
Amy,If you found someone that neeedd it to complete a bed you might get as much as fifty dollars. No dealer that I am aware of would bother putting it in stock owing to the extremely limited market. You should go to Google Images and search “Simmons bed spring”. One or more might turn up and might have some dollar information connected. The spring is probably 60-80 years old and made so well that it is still useful. You can put a zippered cover over it for cleanliness and use it as a box spring.Good Luck,Marshall
Beautifully written.
Lovely! Voted up and beautiful! :)
A truly brilliant article and I so enjoyed the music too, great choice, thank you.
How beautiful - Amy you always share a depth of yourself in a way that inspires and lifts... but first awakens. Thanks again my friend. Mmmwwwaaaa
Dear Amy, I've seen my mother in an emergency room most of the night.
Then - somehow my mother ran up an expense of $3500 and more with a night's stay.
All the medicare, medicaid, socialized medicine, medicine for profit in the world cannot justify the lie of many hospitals and physicians that might go along with this "accounting". There has to be some higher accounting - somehow - someway - some day. God bless your momma. God bless you Amy.
You are always the beautiful poetess Amy. I saw my mother stop eating and will herself to death. And- I'm urinated off that I could not do more and make her passing more palatable - at least for me.
All is lost with the bitter pill,
Of losing faith and losing will.
"I use to spend a lot of time down at the pond catching and kissing some awfully cute frogs! Alas, no princes."
Really? Well I'll be darned!!!!
Beautiful poetry!! Voted up :)
My gosh it took me ages to get to the last comment !!Not surprised though !!
This one was awesome and here's to many many more to share !!
Take care
Eiddwen.
you have a very beautiful way with words "Pivoting dance of innocence was lost in a spill" .. magical.
Thoughts are with you and you mom.
Quite beautiful. Have a pond here on the ranch and can relate to what you expressed here from your soul.
Well done my friend.
The Frog Prince
God bless.
I love all your work Amy. This is another. You have moments stopped in time. The rhyme is sublime. You're always smooth. This is very smooooooth. thank you for this "pause".
Dear Amy,
I am left breathless by the beauty and poignancy of this piece. You've surpassed even your normal excellent standards with this one. This is a keeper. This will be something I will memorise and recite to friends and loved ones.
There is so much to love in your words. These words are graceful, elegant, painterly and sublime. Like a snowy white ballerina skimming across a desolate stage of icy reflection, your poem dances - at once expressing beauty, loss, love, memory and the depth of human emotion. I am in awe. I am prone to superlatives but I know I am lost for words with this poem.
Your poetic heart beats strongly in a rhythm that is enchanting and endearing.
Love to your mum and hope she is well. Love to you and hope you are well as I know how much your Dad meant to you.
Time's changing hands point the slide downhill
Life in the pond, now quieter, as leaves fill the nil
Keeps pace with the silence in the home uphill
Now rain falls on empty in the absence of its will
I have goosebumps!
x
Mohan
I couldn't have said it any better than our mutual admired friend the Epgigramman. All three videos brought tears to my eyes, especially Memories by Barbara and Can't get use to losing you by Andy. Your poetry is like music to my ears, you take your colors on the tip of your brush and paint a scene for us readers that evoke realism.
I am stunned by your brilliance and moved by your soul. I hope in my lifetime I am able to fall back into the LOVE I once cherished, had and lost. It's painful to be empty of love. Thank you my sweet artist for sharing this amazing scribe with us.
To have the love that your mom and dad had and still do for each other even though one has passed to the other side is simply the best. He awaits for her with open arms to receive her when her time is nigh, until then stand by her side and LOVE her with all your heart and soul. Peace and blessings to you my sweet friend, love you always.
Very moving piece, and while I haven't been able to sift through the comments left here (which may have provided me some update) I hope that all went well regarding your mother's procedure, and that all is well ultimately. I was glad to have happened along this little ditty, and thanks for sharing it.
Yes you do, and your assertive, straight forward personality is one of the many things a both like about you and respect you for!!
Amy, you Ladies today have no mercy and run a tight ship!! I better make sure I stay on your good side!!! LOL
lololol...Amy...you've got to stop it! Haha...you have a GREAT sense of humor..spontaneous and smart! Yes...laughing laughing...
Yes! oh yes, I am laughing!! too funny. And then, there's that other Freudian slip? "If he had control of his weiner, he'd stand up...like a man".. Seriously, though, he should resign; it's the only real option he has. He seems to think, or at least he says, that his personal dishonesty has nothing w/his public responsibilities...huh!! Well, of course, I disagree with that! The man is a fool and a cad..and spent far too much time playing with..well, playing while he should have been taking care of his civic duties or family..Geesgh!
Joplin..tragedy. so glad to hear that, though unnerving, you escaped the brunt of what are some of the worst weather events in decades! I'm still laughing..too funny~
Amy....was that intentional? The "shrinking penis....St. Louis had erected...." Ha! Too funny. This is uncanny. I, on the other hand, was (and, admittedly am) a Barry Bonds fan though, I must admit, I am severely disappointed then and now, w/his complicity in the steroid era. McGwire was suspected from the onset; I recall...during the late 90's, even..and into the new century. Little did we know how pervasive the problem was. I watched as Barry Bonds grew larger. I defended him as he was a fantastic player *(and I LOVE the game...can't wait to return to SF)..but know that it wasn't right. The game has tended, throughout history, to be wrought w/some type of stimulant or drug influence from "chew," to 'beanies and greenies,' and more..Well, I believe it has cleaned up its act now...
"itty bitty baseball weiner.." Oh...hahahaha..and, how about Weinergate? Oh, what a fool that man is. To ruin a career as he probably has..but, it sure is fodder for great late night humor!
Ok...just noted the earthquake reference to Bella...and, I keep meaning to ask...about the horrible storms you've experienced...and flooding...I'm thinking that you escaped most of this or else we would have heard...
Kathy
Amy, I hope all went well with everything. My prayers are extended although I am 8 days late. A mother is such a beautiful gift and token. Thank you for sharing and yes extended family and friends and support group we are!!
smiles :)
bella
Amy, I'm laughing because, like you, I used to write so many LTE's to the SF Chronicle, Napa Register, Vallejo Times Herald, and more about so many topics that really stirred me to action. Again, we share something in common. And, Al used to tease me in a competitive way because, invariably, my letters would be published and his, not so much....eek! I have most copies, too...I'm not at all surprised that you enjoyed the support of your co workers....if you were able to express yourself then as you do now....it's a "no brainer!" have to laugh, again!
You know, I forgot to mention that, when I was telling you about my father's bypass surgery...back in the '70's...well, I meant to continue w/this thought: That the stint or balloon procedure that your mother is going to receive is probably EVEN BETTER than the bypass surgery of the past..and equal to that of the present; I'd bet. 40 years have passed and medicine continues to improve expoentially...so, I'd venture to say that her procedure is going to be absolutely fabulous..easier on her, physically, than the invasive bypass surgery....and equally as beneficial. All GOOD NEWS!
Your mother's pride in you is well deserved and, I'd bet (again) that it's beeming pride! sometimes, it's hard, as a daughter, to see the love and feel the love of a mother because of the so familiar and stereotypical...and true...mother/daughter dynamic. I'm glad that you'll be reading to her...that's wonderful. For everyone! Much love! and prayers!
Kathy
Amy..here is how you can sooth your mother and steer her away from thoughts which agitate....read her your beautiful poetry. Now, not the ones about your ex and his high end girl friend!! (laughing)..no, but so many of the others which are so beautiful...and, this one. How wonderful will she feel hearing these words? Sad, yes, very melancholy and a memory that is hers, too..a loss but, Amy..it is SO beautiful. Read to her. If you have not yet; let her see this side of you...I bet she will beam from ear to ear! And, the comments, Amy...the friends you have here..let her hear this, too...print and read!! And I say this because, she must hear your words in your voice..with just the perfect intonations and mood.
I am sorry to hear of your former nephew in law...what a debilitating and hopeless disease this is. My best friend, Al, lost his favorite cousin to AIDS..and they were very close. I met him several times and he was such fun to be around; a great sense of humor and irony! Thank God for Hospice...I sure feel badly for your sister in law...to lose a child; to outlive a baby..because, as I know you know...your child Is your baby...always. Yes, Amy..I will remember these people who are important to you...and your mother...who will be relaxed and soothed by your words. I'll keep checking back to see how everyone is. Kathy
Amy, I am so sorry I was not here the day you published this hub, and I am so glad to hear that everything went well. My parents were happily married too, though my father was most of the time very busy with his own projects, making my mother and us children feel neglected. But then he made amends regularly. He died twenty years ago at the age of 54. Until today my mother misses him daily, though she seems/pretend to be strong. He always wanted her as well as us children to be strong and positive in all circumstances, and none of us have a desire to disappoint him. Even while he is no longer in flesh with us, his spirit is always with us. With ‘spirit’ I don’t mean ‘ghost’, but the influence he had on us and our memories of him. And so your dad is, and will forever be, with you. I’m sure your mother can feel him very close to her in this time. I wish you all strength and happiness.
Good Morning, Amy,
I am thinking of you and your wisdom/ strength as you speak of your ex/ the very sad situation with his nephew. You are remarkable in that you are even available to be of support, no doubt a safe haven for him in his family chaos. How ironic that he was not there to provide the support you needed with your beloved pet's death.
Your parents raised a beautiful and remarkable lady who gives of herself each and every day! I know you will allow yourself to spend quality time with your Mamma. And how wonderful to have that furry tail wagging away when you get home like you are TOPS... well, you are, come to think of it!!
Have a great week! Love you, Maria
Very sweet and well-written hub. You are lucky to even witness that kind of love and a prayer from me to your mom will be given today.
Oh sweet, Amy,
Your words bowl me over. Thank you from my heart. I feel in this case, "it takes one to know one"! You are forever helping others with your kind and positive energy.
Our Mom's are a big deal, so it is our turn to be good now to you. Thank you for that beautiful example as well.
Have a good night. Love, Maria
Dear Amy,,
I am W A Y behind in my reading; but this is one of those times I am glad to read all of your progress reports in the comments section, as well as your poignantly penned poem.
The love you have for your parents, now in the daily acts you do for your Mom, make me love you all the more. I know these are days of uncertainty, stress, fragility on your end, at times; and you are in my thoughts always.
Every day is special and one to be cherished.
And please always be gentle with yourself, Maria.
Yes, the site can be a bit glitchy at times, but I don't want to miss one of your hubs if I want to remain self proclaimed as your biggest fan!!! LOL
For you, anytime, although I am following you, I don't seem to have been notified of this one unless I missed it, it's very good, sorry for the delayed response!!
Amy, nice work as usual!! Sorry to hear about the bad situation in Paul's family
Dear Amy...I am so glad to hear that the Dr. feels there is hope and a procedure for your mother. This is VERY positive news. If he felt differently; he would not have suggested this alternative to bypass surgery. Medicine today is truly miraculous. My father underwent triple bypass when he was quite young..only in his '60's (due to the 'rich and famous' lifestyle, no doubt)...but it was absolutely necessary. Within several seeks, he felt much much better; he compared it to an automobile getting a tune up. He never had heart or circulatory issues after that *(having cleaned up his habits a lot)...it was pheumonia caused by a faulty swallowing mechanism which allowed food to pass into his lungs which finally took him.
But, your mother is in good hands, with a very very loving daughter who honors her with beautiful, heartfelt; longing words! I am awaiting news of her pending procedure and then, her recovery! WE ALL here are praying, crossing our fingers and awaiting good news. Your friend, Kathy
Amy , Nice writing , I will always remember how lost my Father looked without my mother , Im not sure why but everyone just assumed he would go first, No matter how you look at it aging isn't fair because of the losses incurred. I hope everything works out for "MOM"....ED Peace and serenity, You sound busy!....:-}
Amy is was hot today. We go from freezing to blazing in a matter of hours! But today is the girls last day of school, I've got a meatloaf cooking in the oven and air conditioning on;) Evenings around here don't get much finer so I'll be grateful:)
Amy, I reread this and am just awestruck with the beauty of your words and the talent you possess. What an absolutely beautiful beautiful story of changing life, changing seasons, changes! And love, and loss..and pending outcome. Wow! Is about all I can say. Really, Amy...you have an amazing gift!!! I sure hope your mother is doing better...doing well.
Amy - you are such an awesome poet! I admire what you write so much. This really is artful poetry and I loved the story to go with it. Catchy tunes btw St. Lou:)!! Bravo!
.....well I come back here again Amy because these words have haunted me in the way that any great/profound words often do - I have thought of their soulful depth and it could only come from someone of your great sensitivity and sublime intelligence - and I really do thank you for your 'shout-out' - it was indeed a pleasure to help out one of the greatest writers I've ever come across at the Hub!
Amy, this evokes in me such a sense of melancholy. Touching and beautiful. You do have talent!
Glad to see you share prose with us after a dry spell, but sorry for the occasion. Prayers have been said, thoughts held in stasis in hope for your mom.
You are beautiful. That's it. I can't think of much to say beyond that. I could write all the normal stuff to fill space, but I won't. I will say you have a great relationship with the canvass, be it a key pad or a paint brush in your hand, your soul is shown live and in color.
luv ya kid!
jim
So many beautiful comments here to your amazing poem, Mom, Dad, and you. We are so blessed that you shared your backyard pond with us. The power of prayer is amazing.
Dear Amy, I am so happy your Mom cane through the procedure okay. You are so fortunate to have her still and she is so lucky to have a loving, caring daughter like you.
I laughed when I read about your dad's likeness to Andy Williams. My sweet husband, Rocky, had a strong resemblance to Gene Kelly and we always kidded him about it. And he was the best dancer.
I do know how your Mom feels but life does go on. Perhaps you could get her intersted in giving you ideas for hubs or even writing some. Might be worth a try. Please give her by best regards. Much love, bj
Beautiful poetry ! Love it
Beautiful tribute Amy. We'll pray for your mom.
Oh Amy this was magnificent. I so understand your Mom, as you know. There is no love like that first love. I do pray that her surgery goes well. You both are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and love to you both.
My best wishes to both you and your mom; I know her surgery will go well. What your mother is experiencing is not uncommon; sadly, some women feel they have lost a part of themselves when they lose their husbands, especially when they are so devoted to one another. I’m not sure how I would feel should this happen to me. Your poem is magnificent. The Andy Williams story is just precious. Please give your mother our love, and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Beautiful. This reminds me of a couple I once knew in the nursing home. The husband came every day for every meal to feed his wife and take her for walks around town. He had a devotion that warned my heart. In the dining room he helped pour waters and got things for other residents too. This brought a tear to me. Awesome!
..well Amy this is writing as 'art' and a true and profound artist that you are - your sensitivity and soulful depth is unmatched here at the Hub - which of course makes a true creative anomaly in every sense of the word ..... there are certainly a lot of 'great' writers here that I've had the pleasure of reading over the past year of my residence at the Hub - but you dear Amy - take 'greatness' into another special literary realm which only belongs to you!
I love your choices in accompanying music by the way - it evokes the emotions of a time and a place and the people who inhabit it .....my mum and dad were best friends not just husband and wife and that bond lasted a lifetime, their lifetime, and it has moulded and shaped the man who I am today!
Amy, dear friend. Your words are so filled with adoration. You've painted a beautiful, changing scenery in which the changes in life are described. A beautiful place to live an enchanted life...the metaphor of changing seasons is so touching, Amy. Your work is amazing...truly a gift! And I am thinking of your mother today and of you, too. Prayers are coming your way.
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