Discussing daily life. Knowing
I was chatting with a long time, but not
Intimate friend. I extended my usual
Asking of the family. This one time she
Spoke, without constraint.
She told of grown children, still not grown, of
Broken marriages, of debt and
Desperation. Illness of mind.
Pain lasting decades.
Pain, not always hers, but that which she
Witnessed to the point to taking on.
And she told of supplying aid, but
To no avail.
So soft and in such short words, she spoke,
There was no need to elaborate.
I knew. I knew in my own world.
I knew and could only utter a low, almost inaudible
Response, ‘Yeh.’ ‘Yeh.’ my mouth hardly moving.
A dialogue in monotone.
There we were two worn women, telling what didn’t need
To be told, but must be shared to be endured. We
Were in voice, barely a whisper, not looking at each other,
But in stares, out into the space of our ever-reaching time.
‘Yeh’, I murmured.
Then she took charge, as each of us must do.
She talked of music recitals, of meal preparations,
Of waiting for the future. And she went on her way.
And I went on mine.
Susan Patterson
6-2012
I was chatting with a long time, but not
Intimate friend. I extended my usual
Asking of the family. This one time she
Spoke, without constraint.
She told of grown children, still not grown, of
Broken marriages, of debt and
Desperation. Illness of mind.
Pain lasting decades.
Pain, not always hers, but that which she
Witnessed to the point to taking on.
And she told of supplying aid, but
To no avail.
So soft and in such short words, she spoke,
There was no need to elaborate.
I knew. I knew in my own world.
I knew and could only utter a low, almost inaudible
Response, ‘Yeh.’ ‘Yeh.’ my mouth hardly moving.
A dialogue in monotone.
There we were two worn women, telling what didn’t need
To be told, but must be shared to be endured. We
Were in voice, barely a whisper, not looking at each other,
But in stares, out into the space of our ever-reaching time.
‘Yeh’, I murmured.
Then she took charge, as each of us must do.
She talked of music recitals, of meal preparations,
Of waiting for the future. And she went on her way.
And I went on mine.
Susan Patterson
6-2012
Audio of Knowing
Discussion:
This poem is simply a conversation between two women. But I think that it is one that most people can identify with, whether male or female. We all struggle with life, with this and with that. Sometimes our struggles are minor, other times they are almost more than we can bear. But the bright spot of this poem is that both of the ladies were strong. They took charge of their lives and moved forward. It's often difficult to do, but it is something that all of us must do... take charge and move forward. skp
The Patterson's at the door of the recording studio. Open Studios of Beavercreek Coming Up!
This fall, October 25, 26 and 27 there will be an art tour and sale, Open Studios of Beavercreek. I hope that you plan now to attend. This is a twice a year art show, sale and scenic drive. There are 12 studios and 28 artists that will be offering their works to the public. Please join me at my studio where you will books, cards and maybe a surprise or two. Simply download a map from www.OpenStudiosOfBeavercreek.com We are stop number one. Come join the Patterson's for a visit, tea and cookies and let me read some poetry to you. Watch for more information in the next Causerie. skp
This fall, October 25, 26 and 27 there will be an art tour and sale, Open Studios of Beavercreek. I hope that you plan now to attend. This is a twice a year art show, sale and scenic drive. There are 12 studios and 28 artists that will be offering their works to the public. Please join me at my studio where you will books, cards and maybe a surprise or two. Simply download a map from www.OpenStudiosOfBeavercreek.com We are stop number one. Come join the Patterson's for a visit, tea and cookies and let me read some poetry to you. Watch for more information in the next Causerie. skp
▶What happened in your day that mattered? Write it down. Keep it close. Earlene Grey
More Tea Poetry Coming Soon:
Dear Readers, I've actually had a request for more tea poetry on The Causerie. It's true. So, a little bit more often, I will dig into the archives and post some of the lovely tea poetry that got me started on this whole writing thing. Hope you enjoy it. skp
Dear Readers, I've actually had a request for more tea poetry on The Causerie. It's true. So, a little bit more often, I will dig into the archives and post some of the lovely tea poetry that got me started on this whole writing thing. Hope you enjoy it. skp
Light shining in a forest of mixed trees. Always beautiful, isn't it?
À bientôt ! skp
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