.
She keeps it in a wooden box
between soft layers of cotton —
the arrowhead
he found in the desert.
It still bears his fingerprints —
invisible, like the many poems
she composes in her head
but never writes,
.
poems she sends
across the valley
hoping they’ll lodge
in his dreams
some heavy night.
.
She imagines them
circling his body
like halos of concentric light,
or perhaps brushing his face
with kisses
silky as a feather.
.
But then, like the arrowhead
she draws them home again
tucking them safely away —
sonnets nestled in her soul
between reluctant layers
of silence.
.
.
© 2014, 2020 Betty Hayes Albright
.
(A re-post from 2014)
.
I hope everyone is staying well out there. Will try to catch up with you all soon. ❤
.
Betty, I feel your grief for your son. My heart goes out to you. This is a beautiful tribute to him, and an extraordinary poem in its own right. I’m certain his soul embraces you. Please be kind to yourself today – and always.
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Sharon, I appreciate your comment very much. This was actually written a few years ago for a dear friend. (It’s been 25 years since I last saw him).
But it could very well apply to my son as well, though in a different context. (Next month it’ll be three years since losing him, so your comment is timely.)
Thank you so much for your kind words – it’s good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you and yours.
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An enchantment ❤
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Thank you, Bob ❤️
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A magical spell tossed to the wind…a most enjoyable verse.
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Thanks very much, Charlie! 🙂
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Some things have no words. (K)
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Good to hear from you, Kerfe. (I need to get caught up with you!)
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And good to see your words as well.
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Nicely done, Betty. And yes, tucked between layers of silence, indeed. All of it. I can’t seem to emerge From the silence, these days. Nothing to say, for me, is the strangest space to be in. But there you have it.
Be well, be blessed, wishing you warm Aloha. ❤
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Thanks, Bela…. I’ve been without words lately too. Strange space for sure.
Blessings and wellness to you also. ❤️💕
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💞
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This poem is so enchanting, poignant, and full of love. Take care, stay well Betty.
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Thank you, Kim – you stay well too!
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Vivid imagery to the mind and a really nice poem
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Thank you so much! 🙂
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I feel this is full of beautiful memories. . .
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I appreciate your comment! Yes, some wonderful memories….🙂
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Thanks. I appreciate your post!
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I feel the emotions between the lines and layers, Betty, so very beautiful. And the imagery is vivid, as well. I’m glad you posted, even if it is a re-post. Words will come soon, I’m sure. Sending virtual hugs and lots of love, Lauren ❤
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Thanks very much, Lauren, for the encouragement! Love and hugs back ❤️😊
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❤️❤️
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This is one of your best Betty and you have written so many beautiful poems. The last verse is especially beautiful 💜.
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Thank you, Willow – I’m so glad you liked this! ❤️❤️❤️
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I really do 💜
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A tender remembrance. Hugs.
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Hugs back to you, Ben. ❤️
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Thank you. Much needed.
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💐🌻💐🌻💐
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Stunning, simply stunning , dear Betty. Take care ❤️
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Thank you so much, Francina! Hope all is well with you. ❤️
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this is just so beautiful – and has to be one of my favorites of yours ❤
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A belated thank you, Sarah! (I’m almost positive I already replied to this comment of yours. Wonder where it went. 🤔 )
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Ah beautiful 💕
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A belated thank you, Saania!
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You always write well Betty. I’ve been a bit slack at getting around to the various poets I’ve followed for some time now — you included. I noticed you had been over to my site and it prompted me into visiting your site and others. I’ll have to keep up the visits. Hope you are well during these crazy times.
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Good to hear from you, Dennis. I’m behind on blog reading myself these days. Will also try to do better. 🙂 Hope you’re well also! Crazy times indeed.
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