Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Thirteen Ways - 19 of 31


It's slice 19 of 31 in the March Slice of Life Challenge at Two WritingTeachers.  
       Tweet your post at #slice2013





          Thanks to Wallace Stevens for Thirteen Ways of Looking At A Blackbird

Thirteen Ways of Looking At My Recent Days

I
My husband has been ill;
there is no thought that travels
without him entering into it.

II
I visit my old house, wondering
why everything looks different.
It’s invaded by strangers.


III
The house sale is stalled.
the buyer wants more things;
I’m frustrated.

IV
My frustration was often alleviated
at home, kicking the garage door.
But I no longer have a garage.

V
I talk and talk with the realtor.
We make a plan and I am grateful.
He is an expert.

VI
My husband is ill and I talk to the nurses,
the aides, who give me comfort too.
They are the experts.

VII
The house sale, still stalled.  I keep
my counsel, waiting, waiting.
Others examine with different eyes than mine.

VIII
Imogene, my youngest grandchild spends Monday.
She sings and dances and smiles with me.
I am grateful for her this day.

IX
I take Imogene home, but on the way,
bump, bump, stop, no-o-o-o!
A flat rear tire, the exclamation mark of these days.

X
I call Triple A; they are coming!
I call my daughter; she is coming!
I am grateful for experts!

XI
Down the street (close) is a shop, a shop of mechanics.
They wait--take charge of the car.
Experts seem to be taking charge of me!

XII
This morning, Enterprise picks me up.
(They really do what they say!)
Cherry Red Nissan Versa.

XIII
My husband eats a good breakfast!  My
car has new tires.  My realtor is moving us
closer to the ending.  I am grateful.


36 comments:

  1. I could feel all your struggles and frustration from these recent days throughout your post, Linda. As always, you found the positives and ended on a happy note! I admire you so much for your ability to do that.

    P.S. I don't think you posted your link on TWT today... you don't want people to miss this great poem!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer. I did post, but very, very late in the mix. Thanks for your sweet response.

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  2. I hope your husband is better soon, that your closing goes smoothly, and that you don't have any more flat tires! Here's to a better day tomorrow!
    Catherine

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    1. Thanks Catherine. He is a little better; it's just scary when he sleeps and sleeps with so little nourishment. I think tomorrow will be better!

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  3. OH, you just posted! It said "7:22" but that's in your time zone! That's funny -- I just happened to go to your blog right after you published your post! It's like we were both on it at the same time! :-)

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  4. What an amazing recap of your recent days. I love all the references to the experts. I guess some days you get to be an expert and some days you just don't. Aren't we lucky that there are others to help when we need it! Your picture is adorable...she's such a little cutie!

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    1. Thanks Robin. I said it often, but I am so appreciative when someone actually can do something well!

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  5. Linda, I have been wondering how to write about something that is making me down. Reading your post has inspired me to try this. I am grateful to the experts in your lives. I wish for you calmer seas. You have such a wonderful outlook on life. Thanks for being an inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Margaret. I hope this does help you, too. I kept thinking of this poem & wondering if I could replicate it somehow, & I did! It tells the true tale, thanks to Stevens!

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  6. Linda,
    Poetry is powerful for you the writer and we readers. This is a hard comment to write but one that is composed with love and compassion.
    Thank you for being the expert to communicate what it takes to keep living a courageous life
    Bonnie

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    1. Bonnie, we all have struggles, I know that so clearly, & it helps to reach out to others, too, as you have from all you have faced this past year. You've helped me, too!

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  7. I just reread the poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" this afternoon as I flipped through Naming the World by Nancie Atwell. Hmm.

    There is something about the way you nurture and support each of the writers in our TWT community (and beyond) that makes me angry at a world that throws challenges your way. Though I know the centeredness and strength you exhibit in the face of, well, life has made you the caring, compassionate, wise woman you are. And your guidance (both directly and through your daughter) is surely going to lead Imogene to leave some important footprints of her own in this world!

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    1. What a great thought that what we do, how we do it, will help Imogene too, Christy. Love it! I guess I've forgotten how much my own family meant to my strength. Thanks for reminding me!

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  8. Always bumps in the road, but there are others there to help you along. Thank goodness! Best of luck with that home sale. That can be so frustrating.

    I have to agree with Bonnie - YOU are the expert for communicating what it takes to keep living a courageous life. YOU are also the expert at writing such beautiful poetry.

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    1. Thanks Michelle-coming from another 'expert', that means a bunch! Yes, the home sale-ugh! Maybe soon!

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  9. Beautiful poem, Linda. Your granddaughter is adorable and I'm glad you had her to spend some time with when life was intent on being difficult. Good luck with the house! And I hope they can bring your husband some comfort.

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    1. Thanks Katherine, for all of your wishes. Imogene really gave me a boost yesterday!

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  10. My blogging friends who got here first said it so well, so can I say ditto to each of the comments above me? You are gifted in writing. I want to be like you when adversity jumps into my path. I hope all planets align and your world gets back into focus.

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    1. Thank you Elsie. I appreciate all the good and positive thoughts coming my way!

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  11. I love your poem, Linda, for so many reasons, but I think mostly because yu have included bits and pieces that we all can relate to. I'm responding mostly to your lines about your husband, though, and the concept that not a thought travels without him. What a beautiful line! Imogene is adorable. Thank you for including her picture.

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    1. Thanks Melanie. I appreciate your noticing that line-special to me, too.

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  12. Thank you, Linda. I keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. Your cheerful spirit is an encouragement to us all--sometimes though we come to face to face with how fragile we are and those are the hard times. Sending spring your way.

    Lee Ann

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    1. Two more days, right? Every day is a gift that I enjoy, even if it's just making it home! Thanks Lee Ann!

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  13. I'm sending a hug. I appreciate your honesty and openness even through the tough times. The structure has beauty, spinning happiness, hope with bumps.

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    1. Mary Helen, thank you. I adore that final sentence!

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  14. Sounds to me like you are the expert by the end of these days. I hope your husband improves and you are well taken care of too.

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    1. Thanks Stacy-nice to see you! I sent your post to a friend today-fun about showers and writing!

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  15. Virtual hugs. Here is to smoother sailing and being the captain of your own ship.

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  16. I'm glad you shared your bumps today. I don't know how you are doing everything. It's good to share those daily bumps with people who love and respect you. As young as Imogene is, she is already making a difference in your life and you in hers. Keep your eye on the sparrow, Linda.

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    1. Thank you Tam. I agree, good to share the bumps, but sometimes its also good to talk about other things & ignore them.

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  17. Enjoyed your take on Thirteen Ways. Reminded me of something I told my son recently about a medicine he didn't like -- think of how good it will be when the taste goes away! I'm not sure he bought it, but still, you have to look on the positive side :-) Sending you a cyber-hug!

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    1. Oh, terrific way to look at it, Tabatha. I will remember this good piece of advice. Thank you!

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  18. Linda,
    You have so much going on in your life. I'm always amazed at the way you balance it, and still manage to find time to read, write and comment the way you do. I'm sure your granddaughter brings you much joy!

    Not only did I enjoy the story of your poem, but I was intrigued by its form. I hadn't heard of the poem by Stevens and did a bit of a Google search to learn more. It's interesting. I think I may want to play with it a bit. I'm so glad you shared it with us.

    Cathy

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    1. Thanks Cathy-so happy to bring you to "13 Ways". It's a favorite of mine!

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