My friend and fellow writing group member Linda Mitchell led the writing prompt for #verselove at Ethical ELA yesterday. She directed us to use the steps in the scientific method to craft a poem. As many of you know, my father died on Friday morning. If you follow my blog, I’m afraid there is nothing else so pressing on my mind than this and the care for my mother. Writing is healing for me.
A Place at the Table
You could make this place beautiful.
Margaret Simon, draft
Can you float a flower in the vase and call it home?
Flowers, a white cat, a black dog, coffee brewing, what could be missing?
The empty seat at the table is cold, lonely.
I move over, sit in his chair, open the last book he was reading.
Time will fill the space at the table, even in the midst of absence.
There will be beauty again.
Reflections on the Teche 
What a beautiful poem about your Dad without including the words, Dad or father. This helps us share your burden as we know those feelings, those refections. Bless you today…I hope you can manage the grief OK today.
I’m not sure what this flower is. I see the purple and think of Irises.
My mother’s mother loved Irises.
She cherished Irises so much that in
the language of my family,
A blue Iris means Grandma.
We remember her soft blue eyes,
knitting needles clicking
her green easy-chair
and, how we visited every Easter
royal purple petals everywhere.
Yes. It’s an iris. Jeff cut them from our yard and left them in a vase for me when I arrived back home.
So sorry for your loss. My mother has been gone for almost 4 years. She would have been 91 on April 2nd. Every year, my sister buys a bouquet of tulips on that day because tulips were Mom’s favorite flowers.
I hope this loving, sensitive poem helps soothe some of that difficult emptiness that losing our fathers brings. Writing poetry for my dad helped me some, and I continue writing for and about him and our close relationship. Sending ❤️ and caring thoughts your way. Thanks for sharing your poem.
That’s a beautiful, hopeful poem, Margaret. I am so sorry for your loss, and pray for your peace and comfort.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad🙏
This is such a beautiful reflection you have written in memory of him.💗 You and your family are in my prayers.
A beautiful poem. I am sorry for your loss and so glad that writing is healing. Thinking of you all.
Again, Margaret, my sincere condolences. Writing is, indeed, a place where we can mourn, celebrate, and heal. xx
Margaret,
Your poem is beautiful. I think the switch from second-person to first-person is very interesting. I can see you sitting in his chair. and dreaming of time filling “the space at the table” Peace to you.
Again I am moved by your moving over to your father’s seat, picking up the last book he was reading. There’s continuity in it. That gorgeous iris is certainly a sign that “there will be beauty again,” as by its very nature it symbolizes a link between heaven and earth. Strength to you each day. Prayers for all.
Margaret, your poem is beautiful, powerful, and I feel hope in it. I see all your images clearly. I agree writing is healing; it was for me after both of my parents passed away. I am glad it is helping you. There’s therapy in that beautiful iris, the cat, dog, and book that your father was reading. Going for your walks, enjoying nature, taking care of your mother, being there for her, thinking about your father will all help you to begin healing. I will continue to pray and send love for your mother, your family and you. Your father is your guardian angel, always with you, protecting you, and helping you.
Margaret, I am deeply for your loss. It is so sad to have a dear family member pass on. Your poem is a touching tribute to your Father. I did not know that Friday was his last day on earth and first in heaven but when I did not see your face pop up on Poetry Friday, I thought that you were by his side, I have been lifting up your family since you told us that. I just found this on my computer. Sorry it is so late,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Margaret, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dear father. May he rest in peace.