This is a difficult time. My father had a stroke last week and is not recovering in the earthly sense. We’ve held holy vigil with him. It’s holy, healing, and horrible all at the same time. This photo is my mother and father’s hands.
I wrote this poem after Lucille Clifton from an Ethical ELA prompt. I know that this is a universal experience for some. Write a small poem in the comments and respond to other poets.
Wishes for Dad
i wish for peace
and a place to write
his thoughts
on a cloud
floating above
all this madness
of machines
pumping oxygen
taking pulse
counting heartbeatsi wish for the smell
of an open field
of wildflowers
where he can
run
freei wish
Margaret Simon, draft
i wish
i wish
i could take the cup
of suffering away.
Reflections on the Teche 
Holding you and your family close in my heart, Margaret.
I’m so sorry to hear this Margaret. From our prior communications, I know your relationship with your father is special. Please know that I’m thinking of you during this difficult time.
Sending you hugs during this difficult time and thoughts for you and your family. Your poem’s passages about wildflowers and running free remind me of your dad and his rich-value drawings that you’ve shared. Here’s a poem from your sensitive pic,
Hands
wanting to
hold on
forever
and not
let go
Hands
holding
generations
of intertwined love
woven strong as
a robin’s nest
Hands
holding
sharing
lifetime’s
joy and
heart-taring
love
Oh Michelle, a lovely poem I am holding close to my heart. Thanks!
I’m so sorry, Margaret. “Holy, healing, and horrible” is a perfect description of the final vigil with a loved one. Holding you and your family in my heart.
So sorry, Margaret. Prayers for you and your family.
Holding hands
Holding hearts
Holding a lifetime of love
I am so sorry to read this news, Margaret. I’ll hold you and your family close in my thoughts during these days. Hugs for you.
I’m so sorry, Margaret! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
Oh, my goodness…I don’t know why but I thought that the situation was much more hopeful. This is such a sacred time and your poem is perfect for it. I’m just so sorry. My mother had a stroke and lingered. It was a holy and horrible time. I understand. Peace be upon you, friend. Just take care of you and yours.
Margaret, peace to you and lots of love to sustain your family during this difficult time.
A horrible yet
Holy moment remains for
Peace-filled hand holding
Sending love, Margaret, and holding you and your family close in my mind and heart during this time. Your picture and poem are beautiful.
hearts and hands
clasped in life
over lifetimes
across miles
joined with
hands and hearts
in prayer
Margaret, your parents’ hands look like my parents’ hands. May their love and faith carry all of you during this time.
I love the pic of your parents’ hands. Lifting you and your loved ones up in prayer as you navigate this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about your Dad Margaret. I will keep him (and your Mom) in my prayers🙏🙏 🙏
Sent from my iPhone
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So much love to you and your family Margaret. “The cup of suffering” is an image that will stay with me. It is so true to moments like this. I wish your father a peaceful passage and blessings of memories raining down upon all of his kin. xo
So much love in those hands and in those words. Holding you all in my heart.
I’m late in reading this, Margaret, but I too am remembering you and your family and my heart and prayers go out to you. I love your wish to run free in a field of wildflowers, and now I will wish it also.
Margaret, I am so sorry hear about this. Your family is in my prayers. I wish you peace and love. Your poem is heartfelt and beautiful. I can see and feel your imagery. Your photo of your parent’s hands is beautiful; I love it. Thank you for sharing in this difficult time. Your photo and poem inspired me to write this:
Our Hands
Our hands have held:
our love, our marriage
our children’s hands
our grandchildren’s fingers
Our hands have held
each other here,
our hands will hold
each other there,
forever clasped
together in
our love
©Gail Aldous draft 4/22/22
Thank you Gail for this beautiful poem and your sincere care. My father died this morning.
Margaret, my heart goes out to your mother, family, and you. I am sorry for the loss of your father, but now he isn’t suffering. He is peaceful and full of your family’s love. Keep writing your thoughts and feelings; it will help. I will continue to pray for your family. I’m sure your father is happy in that field of wildflowers that you wished for him. You’re welcome. Thank you for saying my poem is beautiful. Share it with your mother and family if your think it will help. Hugs and love, Gail
Margaret, I read this last week and want to let your know that my thoughts and prayers have been lifted for your family.
hands touch hearts
in special ways each day
love lifts spirits