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Poetry
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For Joyce
By Talisker
07 October 2006
This is a poem I wrote for a very special lady and her late husband, on the occasion of their 44th wedding anniversay.

I know it is not a worthy effort - but I hope it can be accepted in the spirit it was written - in awe and wonder at old fashioned devotion and love.

Oli.

When whooper swans from icy North,

For England’s pleasant lakes set forth.

When geese in arrows pierce the skies,

And swallows say their fond goodbyes.

When hedgehogs snuffle out a nest,

Wherein ‘til Springtide, snug to rest.

That’s when I feel you darling near,

And treasure still our wedding year.

 

Though forty years and four are past,

True love can time and life outlast.

In mind’s eye still my blushing bride,

My bonny lass, my joy and pride.

Mere age cannot your beauty take,

Nor simple death our union shake.

Forever cherished, precious years,

More fun, less pain, more laughs, less tears.

 

Tornadoes topped the hit parade,

As sweethearts at the dancehall swayed.

With Cliff and Elvis in their prime,

A gentler, kinder, guiltless time.

The magic year we made our vows,

Beneath the early Autumn boughs.

We pledged to stay in love forever,

And here we are Joyce, still together.

 

If I could bring a male voice choir,

To send your spirits ever higher.

Embrace you like we did before,

And strut our stuff across the floor.

Hold tight your hand and stroll again,

Down country lane, through hill and glen.

You know I would, for like the swan,

We paired for life, and yes, beyond.

 

Oli (07/10/06)

Reviews
I really don't know what to say...
Written by LynB (434 comments posted) 7th October 2006
I have just shown this poem to my mum, and she thanks you from the bottom of her heart, for writing such beautiful words. The spoken word just can not convey how much it meant to her, and to me. Thank you so much for writing it - it was very much a worthy effort. 
 
I had to compose myself before I wrote a reply, and my mum was moved beyond measure. I will never forget this - thank you, Oli - thank you!

Written by Phil (6617 comments posted) 7th October 2006
Oli, I've read many reviews here that, to me, seemed over the top. "This made me weep like a baby" etc. I've read work here that has moved me, much of it yours, but this is the first time I've been moved to tears. 
 
As well as being a generous act, this is a wonderful poem. This is a personal piece for somebody else, so I won't go on. 
 
Beautiful. 
 
All the best, 
 
Phil.

Written by coosh (842 comments posted) 7th October 2006
Beautiful, Oli. To be honest, pretty much anything I say wouldn't do it justice. Rarely venture into poetry, but found this very moving. It's something I also feel like showing certain people close to me.
A message from Joyce....
Written by LynB (434 comments posted) 7th October 2006
Hi Oli. My mum has asked me to post up this note of heartfelt thanks to you: 
 
"Thank you so very much for the poem you wrote for me, on what would have been my 44th wedding anniversary. 
 
You wrote it as though it was from my late husband Frank. I know that, in all honesty, he would never in a million years have been able to write in such a wonderful, poetic way, bringing me to tears, yet happy with memories of how my life once was. Words never came easy to him, and he regretted this all his life, but I also know that in his mind he thought as you did, but could never convey it like you have. 
 
You should thank God every day for giving you such a wonderful gift, and power to put your feelings into words. 
 
Lyn has printed your poem off for me. I have shown it to my friends, and I will keep it forever. Once again, thank you so much"

Written by Gill21 (566 comments posted) 7th October 2006
A beautiful and heartwarming piece Oli, you've made some people very happy. 
:)

Written by rilLie (327 comments posted) 7th October 2006
beautiful piece. 
 
-rilLie
You've been framed!
Written by LynB (434 comments posted) 9th October 2006
Hi Oli! Just thought I'd let you know that my mum loves your poem so much, she's asked one of my artistic friends to decorate the page, and write it in special italic script, and now it's framed, and stands by her bed. She said she finds it a great comfort to read it if she can't sleep. 
 
It warms my heart to see how happy you've made her. :)
just
Written by fellpony (1567 comments posted) 16th October 2007
came across this in the ol' Blue Box and find I can't stop reading it. Wonderfully simple and well crafted, and yes, it made me cry too. Such talent, so well used and kindly given.

Written by Lizzy (783 comments posted) 16th October 2007
Can only reiterate what others have said. 
A lovely, visual poem. 
Lizzy

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