Death be not proud,
but for crying out loud, can you stop?
Plucking two “roses” in one pop? Really?
The last generation is decimated
I am deflated and sad and have had
ENOUGH!
All in passing, we are now
that “last” generation.
No elation!
© Walter J. Wojtanik – 2016
For dVerse Poets Pub – Quadrille #12: Rose
*** I received news yesterday afternoon that my Mother’s sole surviving sibling had passed away. She was the best aunt and we grew up with her always near. Thirty years after my mother’s death, and within two weeks of each other I lost two women who filled the role of “Mom” in my life. Two beautiful roses have joined the eternal garden, much to our chagrin!
THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET'S HEART 
sorry to hear of your loss. The rose metaphor is a lovely way of remembering your loved ones.
Mom always adorned her mother’s grave with roses after she had passed, so the connection is strong. Thanks, Bryan!
Sorry for your loss Walter. The poem speaks volumes of your grief.
Thanks, thot! I appreciate that!
Oh I’m so sorry to here of your loss… not just the loss itself, but to realize we become a part of the elder generation… yes these things happens, you just wish you could have had the time to listen before it’s too late.
They say one of the saddest moments in a life is when you become one of your our memories. Becoming that generation, I look at where I’ve been and marvel at how I’ve gotten to here! Thanks for your condolences, Bjorn.
Wondering, at times, how we march on… sometimes it feels like ‘limp on.’ The attitude of your poem is an encouragment to us all. Thanks for trusting us with your grief, Walt.
This has become a comfortable (and comforting) place of late, Jilly. I find myself wandering aimlessly at time, but always never truly off course. Thanks.
Your poem really is written from the heart, but take heart and dwell on the good memories rather than the sadness.
love,
ViV
I will strive to do just that Vivienne, thanks!
The mother figures are so difficult to live without. My mother was the most emotionally honest person I knew. They left a beautiful poet. I’m sure they’ve been the inspiration of much of your work,not just this one. It’s great that they were such wonderful roses in your life. Beautifully written.
So true Victoria. My first chapbook was called WOOD and it was a tribute to my father, the master carpenter and the street on which we lived, Wood Street. They continue to influence me in ways I don’t even understand! But thank you for your support and kind words. I am grateful for both.
You’re welcome!
I am so sorry to hear this Walt. I too am the last of my family line and to be honest, I really don’t mind. My husband has a ton of relatives but he will be the last of his father’s line. Coming face to face with our mortality can be hard. Writing of these two roses is a lovely thing and you kept it light but true – you’ve had enough.
A bit melancholy of late until I can purge it from my psyche. But a writer writes, and carrying on is the only way I know. I am thankful for the encouragement and support as well as the kind words of condolence, Toni!
Hangeth in there Walt.
So sorry to hear about this. Condolences to the family. To the ‘last’ of the generation hits hard.
It happens so quickly, Grace. And we do not realize it until we’re inundated by the gravity of those who pass before us. I thank you for your kind words as I work to leave some legacy in their wake.
Perhaps “Like” isn’t the right response for most readers. I’m an odd bird (and you’ve noticed that). I worked in hospice for a couple years. The passing of loved ones… especially of that generation in my family is familiar territory. I am well acquainted with grief (Grief Coordinator — as if a person could help others “coordinate” their grief). No pat answers here. Your poem is a good start. Keep going. With time — lots of time — you (and I… and others) will make it through, Walt.
Great advice and motivation, Charley! I will “keep on, keeping on”, brother!
Walt, I am so sorry to read of fresh sorrow. It’s a cruel, cruel blow. Rage is necessary and natural – I am minded of ‘Do not go gentle into that good night/Old age should burn and rave at close of day/Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Look after yourself.
I will do that, Freya! That poem contains such wisdom. And I will rage when I can!
Better out, than in. Wishing you well x
Oh, I’m sorry for your loss, and so soon after your previous one. I’m sure you feel battered, but this poem feels like a way of standing up to it all.
Battered and bruised, but not yet defeated. Word by word, I’ll shake the malaise and be better for it, Sarah!
Very hard to lose two loved ones so close together. Wonderful poem…the rhyme and the rhythm. 😊
Thanks, Sue. It is still about the poetry after all. A great diversion and catharsis. Glad you’ve enjoyed it.
Oh, Walt. Too many thorns in your world this year, for sure. I’m so sorry. Beautifully written.
“Written in the Briar” would be a great title, wouldn’t it? Pin-pricked too many times of late. Thanks for your concern, m’lady!
So sorry Walt. I do like the light touch and still the grief and frustration comes out loud and strong.
I think that’s key, Debi. Expressing the sadness without bringing the reader down. (Too much) Thanks for this!
Your very brief quadrille says so much, Walt. I think the sorrows and joys of our lives inspire some of our best poetry. I liked the touch of humor, the voice…so important to the grieving process as I learned working hospice. I am so sorry for your losses. Write through them…it’s so healing.
It is the ointment for what ails me! Worked too hard to lose my voice now. I thank you for your gentle words that comfort, Victoria!
your loss is felt with a heavy heart …
Thanks Truedessa! In losing others, I’m finding bits of them in all I do. It keeps them close to heart!
Walt, it must be overwhelming. I am so sorry for your loss.
Overwhelming? Somewhat, but not defeating! I will get through this (as long as people stay above ground for a while!) Thanks, Mish!
I felt your incredulous pain here, Walt. I’m so very sorry for this loss to you and your family and the end of a generation.
You know what they say about “all good things”, Gayle. And it was good. Up to us now to continue in that direction! Thanks.
Condolences on your loss. Nevertheless I like the lack of awe and the colloquial tone of this expostulation.
I am no longer awed by death, Rosemary. It has become too commonplace. I face each day as it arrives. Thank you though for your kind condolences!
I’m sorry for your loss. Your poem conveys the pain and anger very well.
I wonder if that means I’m getting a grasp of the pain and anger, Josslyn? Thank you.
You’re welcome, Walt.
Gorgeous tribute, Walt. And Viv is right … by the way.
I know she is. She is my sage! Thanks for you words of encouragement as well, Marilyn!
Its difficult to lose the people we love. We’ve not only lost them but also our role as child, grandchild, nephew, niece, etc.
Sometimes leaves us wondering were we fit.
I carry them all with fondness, Candy. My greatest joys translate well to poems. A family memoir may come to fruition from them! Thanks.