Reflections on the Teche

This week was hard but good. I’ve been busy. That helps. One year ago my father died. It’s been a whole year of missing him. I’m getting better at dealing with grief. But somehow it bubbles up when I write. The Ethical ELA #VerseLove prompt today was from Allison Berryhill was to write a poem about what you missed. Check the prompt here. I recall a Ted Kooser poem about what a loved one who passed was missing on a fine spring day. I can’t find it, but if you know it, please let me know.

What you Missed the Year You’ve been Gone

Since you’ve been gone, spring sprang again with bright
cypress green and pops of buttercups along the roadway.

Baby June was born on winter’s solstice. She’s blooming, too.
You’d want to make raspberries on her strawberry cheeks.

Since you’ve been gone, we’ve moved Mom twice
finding better and better care for her. We think you’d approve

because I walked beside a woman with a dog
who told me about her mother. We talked and talked

then she said her name was Beverly like your favorite niece
whose southern drawl comforted like a soft pillow.

I miss you on days like this, when the birds sing opera,
the sun hides behind the clouds. I kiss your great grandson.

He’s forgotten you died and says, “Where’s Pop?”
I haven’t forgotten, but I think I see you in his smile.

Margaret Simon, draft