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If These Walls Could Talk

If These Walls Could Talk

If these walls could talk
they’d tell mom’s stories
of her younger years
and the adventures of
family and friends
throughout our lives

They’d tell of wonders
how that first date would go
while sister curled my hair
and put makeup on
my 12 year old face
while I perspired in her dress

They’d offer witness of each brother
who came home on military leave
to celebrate accomplishments
and share family life
and visits to old buddies

They’d tell of phone calls
from far away, from old friends
who never forgot relationships
were more important than things

These walls would tell of tears
laughter, hugs, kisses goodnight
and all the life held in between
these floral papers, these quiet walls
if only, they could talk

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld (c)

Memories of happy times in our lives are such blessings. I wish there had been a record of all the stories my mother alone would tell. As I am working on recording these, to the best of my memory, tears come and my heart warms. Later in his life, I recorded stories of daddy and his telling of his World War II service. I treasure that tape and the document created.

As I was working on Caring for Souls, what helped me is to look at old photographs of growing up. This has brought up so many memories that I am continuing to work in this process for another book.

Sometimes, we end up being the one who has been involved with caring for others or having others care for us. Mom did not care for having to be cared for, but it happened just the same. It was the love that was shared between and outside the walls that built these kind of relationships.

Are you caring for someone now? Please share in the comments. I want to hear about it, if you are comfortable.

May all your walls be covered with memories via photos, art, and more.



poetry

The Spirit of Music Plays On

Piano Image by MartyNZ on Pixabay

The Spirit of Music Plays On

As I look at the tan shaded keys of the piano

Crackled dingey and peeling

Melodies are now memories

Of the time when elegance was about tea and piano time

When we all dressed proper and sang deep from the soul

Just as when we faced the hurricanes

We gathered at the farm

Secured the property

Gathered by the waiting piano

Until the master touched the keys

And all worries of wind and rain

Were belted out to calm the storms

And we survived

Our dear piano survived

Always leaving us with peace

Each day was another day of hope

Ballads and nursery tunes alike

Grew the spirit

Another moment to survive

Another moment to love

And as we faced the pandemic

The old soul piano was still there with us

Some have passed on

But the music remained

It comforted us as we once again gathered

And realized that all the riches of the world

Could not do more than the riches of knowing

We had each other

We still had music

We still had soul

Looking at the old piano

Abandoned by time and loss

I leave a yellow rose of joy

For time has leant more than anything else

And I am grateful for the song

Prompt Source Link

 

poetry

Let’s Do the Twist – A Moment in Time

lisa valentine dance 1966 Lisa dressed up for 1st teen dance.

This was a moment of my life

It had to happen to enjoy my first dance

It was at my Kentucky school

Student council raising money

Created a Valentine’s date match

Sweaty palms and pencil in hand

This one signed up for a date

All for the Valentine’s dance

Twelve years old seventh grade student

Unsure of how to prepare

In stepped my big sister

After dying her red dress

And sharing her white blouse

She carefully applied my makeup

An expert of creating beauty

Nervously excited to meet my date

Daddy dropped me at the school

Along came my selected date

At his side was his girlfriend

Nice to meet you and moved on

As my mind was some confused

I shook it off when

On came the music

And it took one song

As sure as it was Chubby Checker

I was sure to do The Twist

Guess who won the twist contest

That was my family tradition

It was a good night

And that’s how it’s done

When life changes moments

Make it a good time

Today I decided to do a combination of prompts. My own prompt Let’s Twist and that of Robert Lee Brewer’s  Poetic Asides. What’s your poem of the day?

lisa twist age 13                                                  Still twisting at age 13