memories

she placed the violin under her chin then -

looked up before striking a pose, shoulders

elegantly leaning back but only a little - 

her long mid brown hair especially washed

the bow trembled, her blue eyes blinked, 

full lips set firm;  the ceiling bulb was a raw

spot light, the audience - a family of two

proud parents, dear gran and six siblings

was Thursday, the real dress rehearsal the

morrow.. she was wearing a long dress -

mother-made of emerald blue cotton,

edged with old (Devonian) Honiton lace

was quite shy twelve year old Hannah's first 

performance in public; once adult she played 

with an orchestra miles from us. At thirty two

she played a scherzo at the Pearly Gates

    

Reviews

[Beccy]

Oh, Emmajoy; it is so unfair to be taken so young.

This is a lovely and heartfelt tribute to someone who clearly meant so much to you; and that last line is especially evocative; and I can imagine Hannah is still making beautiful music.

Beccy. X

[emmajoygreen]

Hello, my dear friend! Thank you for such mkind words: the poem was/s for our sister, Hannah. Our birth family always tries to focus on happy memories.. little hard sometimes, but.. ..
So hope all's well with you both and work isn't exhausting you. (Beccy)

[Vol]

Oh, my... what a path you led me down... Now, I think I need rest a while.

[emmajoygreen]

True Vol. Just felt the need to write a few words. I was years younger than her but over the years heard and learned so much from our family. She laughed and smiled through her brief life because her working life was making music.

[Vol]

Emma,
You know, one of my favorite subjects is what I call "private memories." They can be as small as a discarded candy wrapper that gathered in, or the memory of some powerful person whose memory has invaded your person and refuses to leave... I keep discovering some bright thing and realize it has haunted my thoughts for decades and only now do I see it and wonder, why?
I keep reading that the universe is conscious... the WHOLE UNIVERSE, and somewhere in a dark corner of my mind, is the image of shiny red foil on a coffee table...
Vol

[Vol]

Memories are like a glass of red wine alone in a room...

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

A loving tribute that honors your loved one, Emmajoy. One that will always be here for others to read and get to know her by.

[emmajoygreen]

Yes, a tribute most certainly although please read my response to Vol above, will tell you more. Your review is so very welcome, sir.

[DIVYA]

A beautiful tribute to a very special and talented sister. Your words in remembrance have brought her to life on this page. Losing a sister is a pain I understand, having lost mine too. Your words are filled with such love, joy and pride in her brief though amazing life. This poem will stay with me always. 💜

[emmajoygreen]

Many thank yous, Divya,, It's rare for me to write about family but sometimes words need release a few tears, I suppose. So very sorry to read about your sister, sadness lasts forever yet guess we need focus on happy memories. Bless you. x

[DIVYA]

Indeed, the happy times help us to go on. Bless you too, my friend. You're welcome always.

[Ladysue]

Emma, this is a heartfelt loving tribute to your sister. Written with tremendous fondness. The memory comes through vividly and bittersweet. Happy Birthday to your sister in heaven. Hugs dear friend.

[emmajoygreen]

Your last sentence is... wonderful, sue.. truly i, thank you - Hannah would smile at that and know full well you mean it. Thank you for caring.. always. Feel better and hopefully adventure a little when you ca. (you)

[Soren]

Wow! What an unexpected ending, it caught me off guard. That is one sign of a piece of art, to stimulate an emotion and bring it out. The innocent and somewhat tense presentation at the beginning contrasted with the sad but peaceful one that hit in the last line. So well done.

[emmajoygreen]

Many, many thanks, Soren, you've left such kind and understanding words. When a person, any-and everyone, has been ill as ill can be, one can only wish for peace for that darling. Yes? Take care and keep safe, enjoy the weekend. Please. x

[Sami Khalil]

Heartbreaking indeed. I know you remember her fondly and her ambitions cut short by death.
This poem is a tribute and a gift of solace.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks Sami, your words are more than kind an understanding - which is how you are and always have been. Take care, keep msafe, loved and smiling.

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy woooo! You too. You are welcome 😊

[jacob erin-cilberto]

too young to die, too talented...
reminds me of so many other artists who ended up at the pearly gates, unannounced before their time.

beautiful poem...the violin can play such sad notes...literally as well as figuratively.

j.

[emmajoygreen]

She WAS too young but also, too ill. She was first violin, made such beautiful music. jacob. But even now older family remember the scrauncy sounds she made when little and trying hard to sound even vaguely musical. She laughed too.. often and always. Many thanks, dear friend... you're always so kind.

[Ballpark Frank]

I like how the support from family at such a critical time for a young talent was genuine. It's extremely important to provide support and love to young talents. This world is sadly full of those with little confidence and low self esteem.

The end is heartbreaking however.

[emmajoygreen]

It's a true ending, Frankie. Many thanks for such a logical, generous and empathetic review. Keep safe, take care.

[Ballpark Frank]

You're welcome. I'm glad you're back.

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you.

[Ken Simm.]

I know something of this from what you have told me in the past Emma. But this is just an amazingly beautiful tribute to your sister.
There are layers upon layers here that don't really strike until that last line.
An exceptional sad/happy memory poem from n exceptional writer.

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you, dear friend and gentleman.