Season for Living
Closing her journal
of frosty thoughts,
the fever of mourning
for justice is past.
The army will not
unlock the secrets
of her son’s death.
Two years~~she
will weep no more.
~~~~~~~~
The treasure of summer
is in bloom to behold.
Her neighbor’s whimsical
wind chimes dance
in a magical breeze
beckoning her to join
in the song of freedom.
Twirling on green grass,
she finds life and laughs.
~~~~~~~~
Karen O'Leary is a freelance writer/editor from West Fargo, ND. Her
poetry, short stories, and articles have been published in a variety of
venues. She released her first book of poetry in 2011 called Whispers... published by A.P.F. Publisher. Their second project, Snippets...an anthology of short verse,
contains poetry from 73 talented writers from across the world and was
released in 2012. Karen is a member of The Writers and Poetry Alliance
and the Haiku Society of America.
a song of hope
ReplyDeleteMaureen
Dear Maureen,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you lovely comment and all the encouraging words you leave for other writers too. It is people like you that make Whispers possible. Blessings to you.
Best wishes,
Karen
Karen, What a powerful and beautiful poem. The change was a little too abrupt. May I suggest the last two lines read:
ReplyDeleteSlowly twirling on green grass,
She finally finds life and laughs.
I really loved the powerful mood shift and hopefulness following such a tragic lead in. Thanks, Ron Grognet
Dear Ron,
DeleteI appreciate your suggestion. The ~~~ was supposed to convey the elapse of time in which the healing took place. Guess that didn't work as well as I had hoped. I am glad you felt the poem was powerful as that was something I wanted to portray. Thank you for taking time to share your insightful comments.
Blessings,
Karen
Karen, Thanks for the enlightenment as to form. I've reread it numerous times and almost feel i experienced it along with you. Thanks, Ron
DeleteDear Ron,
DeleteThat you would come back to this poem and read it again it a gift to me. Though this isn't a personal experience as such, I have experienced loss. It takes awhile to get to the healing point. You gave me something to think about with your last comment and I appreciate that. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
Karen
Don't change anything! A lovely blend of emotion, imagery and hope! Best wishes Karen, Ralph
ReplyDeleteDear Ralph,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Glad you enjoyed it.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen, I enjoyed your poem. I thought it was magical from beginning to end! God bless...Chris
ReplyDeleteDear Chris,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words--so encouraging for me to read today. I appreciate all your kindness and support. It is writers like you that make the writing community a joy to be a part of.
Blessings,
Karen
Wow Karen. the first one touched me deeply how sad. the second is just so beautiful, and shows your remarkable talent to the full. Just wonderful writing. Well done. Peter Dome.
ReplyDeleteDear Peter,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your lovely comments. Really made my day. I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement. Blessings to you.
Karen
Beautiful contrast... so poignant the first, so light the second!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!!
Dear Terry,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these wonderful comments. What a way to make my day. I really appreciate your ongoing encouragement. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
Blessings,
Karen
WOW, I loved the contrast and the beautiful note it ended on. I always loved happy endings, that is as happy as endings can go, in view of the circumstances this well written poem conveyed in the beginning. Though in my limited ability to judge, most assuredly it is a magnificent write. It just feels that way to me and I know I can trust my feelings. But then I would expect nothing less than wonderful from such a talented poet.
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Charlene
Dear Charlene,
ReplyDeleteWow! What a wonderful post to read today my friend. Thank you for all the lovely words. Your ongoing encouragement is a treasure to me. I appreciate all you do for the Whispers community. What a blessing you are!
Best wishes,
Karen
And what a blessing you are to me in more ways than one.
DeleteLove, Charlene
You are such a gift in my life Charlene. Thank you so much for all your encouragement.
DeleteBlessings,
Karen
Karen,
ReplyDeletei had a good read. Thanks.
Frances
Dear Frances,
ReplyDeleteThank you for you kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed this poem. It's so good to have you a part of Whispers. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Blessings,
Karen
Beautiful poems with vivid imagery. "Twirling on green grass,
ReplyDeleteshe finds life and laughs." This is really the joy of life.
Dear Ali,
DeleteThank you so much for your lovely comments. Your encouraging words made me smile today. It's good to have you at Whispers.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen....this is awesome; the change in mood from dark to light has been excellently tackled, and the imagery is beautiful. Well done! // paul
ReplyDeleteDear Paul,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for you kind words and for all the encouragement you give me and others here at Whispers. You are such a light in this poetry community. It means a lot to me.
Blessings,
Karen
Thank you, Isha Wagner, for the following--
ReplyDeleteThis poem conveys the grief of a mother for a son's death where no explanation is forthcoming; at first wanting justice then accepting that nothing will change her sadness so she resolves through some hidden strength to rejoice in what life does offer and that is freedom which lies at the core of our being. I do not believe that many persons are capable of reaching this state as the desire for justice does rarely cease so this person is almost unique. Despite the tragedy this is a joyful poem.
Yours sincerely
Isha
Dear Isha,
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasure to receive your insightful comments today. You always take the time to really search for the depth in the poems you comment on. Thank you so much for taking the time to pen all your thoughts. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Blessings,
Karen
Yes it IS a beautiful message of hope, Karen. I pray that people DO find some way to reach a point where they can go on.
ReplyDeletePam
Dear Pam,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see you back at Whispers my friend. Thank you for your lovely comments. We all go through tough times. It's how we get through them that makes a difference.
Blessings,
Karen
Getting on with one's life... A dual treat here, Karen. I would love to read this to a friend. She and I share this thing about twirling.
ReplyDeleteDear Michael,
ReplyDeleteIt would be an honor if you would read this to a friend. Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your continued support and encouragement. Best wishes with your writing journey.
Blessings,
Karen
Hi Karen. I enjoyed "Seasons for Living," especially the first one. Very powerful in meaning and description. Really good reads. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings! -MJ
ReplyDeleteDear Maurice,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and ongoing encouragement. I appreciate all you do for me and others in the writing community. What a blessing you are.
Best wishes,
Karen
Well-written poem, Karen.
ReplyDeleteDear Ndaba,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much my friend. So good to have you back at Whispers. You are such an encouraging voice here.
Blessings,
Karen
Dear Karen, I am happy I read this, after the death of a loved one or friend, a part of our life does end, This happens in any seperation, including devorice, yet as we continue up lifes road new beginning do unfold. As we see the truth over all, nothing lasts but life continues as we head to higher venues, where we see our loved ones are still alive, and we find Jesus is by our side. Even devoriced, now friends did abide. Thanks for writing this piece Karen.
ReplyDeleteYancy
Dear Yancy,
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to have you back with your Whispers' family, sharing the gift of words in an encouraging environment. It is writers like you that make this possible. My faith journey is such a blessing in my life as it is in yours.
Best always,
Karen