“After last night’s storm the tulip petals are strewn across the patio where they mortally fluttered.”– from Church, a poem by Jim Harrison
She lost her best friend…
husband and loyal confidant,
devoted father, avid fisherman;
a man for his time and beyond
who served country, church
and community well. He bloomed.
Did he enjoy flowers? He receives
them now with thin-petaled eyes
closed, smile line of lips stilled,
silent as the cancer that spread.
Like delicate flowers, we too are
seeded, planted, nurtured, watered,
weeded, sometimes uprooted, and
lovingly tended to our fragile end…
when God plucks and gathers us
into his eternally beautiful bouquet.
Thanks to Linda Lee Lyberg for dVerse poets prompt to write inspired by line from Jim Harrison’s poetry. Written in memory of Norm De Boom…for Sherry.
a poem in my pocket 
Jan 27, 2022 @ 11:05:26
Your poem is beyond beautiful … already in this new year, my extended family has forever lost two beautiful, brave, beloved women. Thank you for gifting this poem ….
Jan 27, 2022 @ 12:05:54
I’m glad it spoke to you, Helen! You have my sincere sympathy…may God bring comfort and peace.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:08:12
” thin-petaled eyes,” is such a poignant, powerful description! Stellar writing here, Lynn 💝💝
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:13:57
I appreciate your generous words, Sanaa!
Jan 26, 2022 @ 12:41:23
“thin-petaled eyes” so well described and a great homage to the quote.. This is one of your best poem ever.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 15:03:04
I appreciate your saying so, Bjorn!
Jan 26, 2022 @ 08:40:41
What a thoughtful response to the prompt Lynn. Simply beautiful.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 11:58:01
I needed to write what was on my heart…thanks for the quote that prompted my words.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 12:16:22
You’re welcome.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 04:04:09
That’s a lovely and sweet image, Lynn.
❤
David
Jan 26, 2022 @ 06:35:35
I hope to end that way…thanks, David.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 00:36:57
So poignant and beautifully written.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 06:34:34
Thank you, Carol.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 22:53:37
Beautiful writing, and I very much liked your About as well. Abundant blessings to you ❤
Jan 26, 2022 @ 06:33:49
I appreciate your kind words, Zelda.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 12:13:02
You’re sincerely welcome!
Jan 25, 2022 @ 22:12:13
A beautiful poem Lynn. I like how you made it relatable to all of us. Well done.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 06:34:06
Thanks, Dwight.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 09:20:54
You are welcome!
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:59:44
The flowers and we are not so different, you’re right. All gifts under heaven. May I offer condolences for your loved one returning to the eternal beautiful bouquet that God chooses at will.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 20:00:52
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Lisa.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 20:20:50
You’re very welcome, Lynn.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:52:37
This is sad to read but very comforting and peaceful at the end.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:58:14
Emotions brim at times of loss…thanks for reading, Grace.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:37:26
Love it, Lynn. Great is our God
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:56:37
He’s the Lord of Life!
Jan 25, 2022 @ 18:12:30
With your lines, I imagine a bud tightly closed, filled with potential no matter how long or short its life may be.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:55:54
I like that perspective, Ken.
Jan 26, 2022 @ 16:37:25
🙂
Jan 25, 2022 @ 16:20:39
Oh, so sad! But with the hope that God is sweeping up all the fallen to find them a new place.
Jan 25, 2022 @ 17:38:31
Yes, He gathers his saints with tenderness.