A Red Flash of You
- Cathy Stenquist
- Nov 28
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 1
The dishes are sloshing in the dishwasher. The tablecloth, with bright colored evidence of our gathering, waits to be put in the dryer. And I have been enjoying walking through my house, seeing memories of grandchildren, laughter, and delicious food around every corner. I hope your Thanksgiving was as lovely as ours.
The inspiration for my poem today.
Today is Poetry Friday, and I was lucky enough to have a poem land on the branch outside my window this morning. I did what a poem always requests of you: I sat down and spent some time with it.
Like many of you, these Holidays bring a tinge of sadness for the empty seat at our table.
My beautiful Mom and I. I miss her so much...
This poem tries to put this into words. If you are missing someone this week, know you are not alone. Sending you BIG hugs...
To leave you with a smile, here is a short clip from yesterday of my grandson, who spurred a spontaneous rendition of "This Little Light of Mine." What joy!
You can catch the other lovely poems at our host's blog, in addition to a fascinating look at Poet Suzy Levinson's new book, "DINOS THAT DRIVE." There is a lot that goes into a poetry collection. I am definitely finding that out as I have three in progress!!
Thank you Buffy for hosting today! https://buffysilverman.com/blog/
Cathy, this touched my heart as I have an empty seat at my table that I am alwatys wishing was filled and your uplifting poem reminded me of those special signs that come to us. Thank you! I also really like the circular and fitting nature of "this bird/ who became a leaf/....." ending which feels like hope. Your grandson is adorable!
Oh, Cathy, this made me cry. Beautiful. The things that can catch us off guard in grief ... we never know when and how it will revisit. The photo of you and your lovely mom is so dear.
Your poem was a tug on my Mom-missing heart, but your grandson saved the moment with his sweetness!
Sometimes the steady presence of something which should, by all rights, have just flitted in and out, allows us to pause and sit with ourselves, and this poem erects that memory palace for us beautifully. Thank you for sharing your love and your loss. And what a lovely, lovely picture of you and your mama.
Oh, that last stanza. What a beautiful, bittersweet poem, Cathy!