Thursday, February 6, 2014

watching--By jani johe webster--(In Memory-May 2013)--United States

watching

i will write a poem
    and watch the stories of the clouds
    i will watch the breeze on the tree
    and i will say i love you

    i will watch snow turn into rain
    and rain turn into spring
    and i will watch for your return

jani johe webster, my mother and the author of this poem, passed away on May 2, 2013. I thought I knew all of her poetry, but when I found "watching," I realized this was a poem written long-ago for me to find one day. It captures what I feel in her absence: the profound missing, and also the steadfast hope. Her line "i will write a poem" speaks to the poet in all of us, that no matter what sadness find us, we can remain quietly strong. We can write a poem.                                                 --Nila Webster

7 comments:

  1. Thank you, Connie Marcum Wong, for the following comment--

    Dear Nila, Your mother’s poem is a precious part of her left behind for you to find as you said. Her special beautiful poem moved me to tears. What a wonderful gift of her poetry she has given you! Blessings, Connie

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  2. What a precious gift to discover. I know your pain, as I lost my Dad in 2011; the pain does ease, but the missing is always there. Your mother's poem is poignant, and touches me greatly. Thank you for sharing. Kristina

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  3. These words are touching and fill my heart with a familiar pang of pain in the memory of my own loss. She left you something very tangible to hold, to be inspired upon and to cherish! Sheri

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  4. A very moving poem, Nila. It's wonderful that you have a collection of your mother's poems to bring you comfort as you mourn. Sending prayers and hugs to you! Best wishes, Carolyn Devonshire

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  5. A moving poem. A treasured piece. Warm regards ralph.

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  6. Dear Nila -

    Oh "the stories of the clouds". The gentleness there goes straight to my soul. You must miss her very much and are so blessed to be left with her words, the heart of her I'm sure.

    love,
    Kathy

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  7. Nila, thank you for sharing this and many of your mom's poetry. She paints a picture with her poetry. When I read her gifted words, I transcend into the actual meaning of each verse. A very gifted poet and I am sure a loving mother. Thank you for carrying on her memory. -MJ

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