My Treasures (Ode to Family) You probably didn't know nor would have believed how much I saw, and knew... So many things I savored about how we lived, and loved; our family, our life, all of it. The way you always took the time to look at us - what we wore, what we wrote Talks, and games we played - teaching chess and cooking; such wealth! Limericks and puns, wit shining... Aromas still spice memories priceless images I hold close what you taught for us, our laughter... You probably didn't know and still may not believe how much I understood about how families grow and how we twist and tie our fates signed, but never quite sealed... the troubles of your pasts linger on, in the souls of the present all children take on burdens brought forth from sadder times: those who didn't know or learn about the ways of moulding youth. You probably didn't know and wouldn't have believed the pictures on my canvasses trees' tendriled branches, dipt in shore; snow hugging gentle rolls of land the rustic, grey-brown face of barn the surprise of golden, beaming maple framed in dormer window, ev'ry Fall distant memory of peagreen beach and horseshoe crabs... Sitting on protected porch, in summer, with the warmth of your safety near to watch a storm approach, and feel it - unafraid! photographs, and reel-to-reels; voices of children long ago now grown, and still so fragile... Watching my devoted parents in their love of one another feeling safe, and happy for us all. You probably didn't know would you know believe? I love you so, it breaks my heart... There's still so much of you that I have yet to learn, to see to instill into my mind, and hold forever. Stories you've yet to tell - grandchildren never known a void I cannot fill for you. Not ever. The trial in coming of an age the rights and wrongs, I did them all good and bad. Stones upturned, and flung... I screamed, and ranted: chilling your minds, and I pained your hearts. Have I made you proud, or saddened? Brother walked an uncertain path wavered Oh, so close, to the End but saved his damaged life, you did... Questions swimin murky corners pressing close, but not so clear... Where are we now, dear family? You probably never knew And cannot believe that I can't let go of you, then or now. I don't want to say goodbye to the two who gave me breath whose faces I wear at once, eyes and smile. I am my Father's daughter; my Mother's flesh and blood. A sister, my Brother's alter & quintessence! Remember our vacations? Summers, winters; songs, and holidays... We travelled, once, together. Happily. You probably don't know I wish you would believe Ahh, to have us back would be heaven. I am not who you would make me but I am she in whom I believe As is my sibling, that current deep... Love is as love does, my Family. We have each other now, as we always did...and will. You should know this, my folk, and believe in us all. Deep & rich are we in talent, humor, words... The sun sets slowly, we might capture that flood of beauty make it ours forever. I love you. (c) Katherine E. Cline, January 1996 {for my family: Father,Mother, & Brother Stephen}
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