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Chuck's avatar

Joni sings

"don't it always seem to go

that you don't know what you got

til it's gone".

.

The splendor of having something come back is like no other.

.

Like a good poo.

(six years waiting)

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A. Wilder Westgate's avatar

I'm so sorry to hear about Buddha, Jillian. I was hoping for a happier outcome for you all. ❤️ I wrote about my daughter today.

My beautiful first baby:

When we were in the hospital,

just after you were born,

in our very first moment with

just the two of us,

I whispered to you that you were

going to be magnificent.

How right I was, and

how little I knew of all

that you would become.

You are splendid,

radiating life from every

spectacular inch of you,

and I am honoured to be in awe of you.

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Julie Schmidt's avatar

Yummy, what a sweet ode to your daughter! Love spills out of every word.

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Thank you A. What an incredibly beautiful and moving poem. Love flows in every word. Awe and wonder are the foundation for the love you all share.

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A. Wilder Westgate's avatar

Thank you, Larry! They absolutely are. ❤️

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Steven Barbery's avatar

it snuck up on me

such a small detail

just enough to

cause my gaze to linger

a little longer than

I normally would

that is what it takes

for me at least

one tiny feature

that catches my eye

or word that hangs

between sight or sound

and my mind

drawing subtly

to the larger focus

that opens up to

the splendor

I am thinking of

the views at

Petra and Rome

the waters off of

the Bahamas

the music of

"Ode to Joy" and "Hallelujah Chorus"

the special moments

such as the birth of a child

and falling in love

some many splendors

that are start with that

small focus that

catches the attention

may we all have more

of the small encounters

that lead to some

grandeur and majesty

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Julie Schmidt's avatar

Yes, these moments in time that take our breath away!

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Very nice Steven! Ah, the blessings of the small moments and encounters!

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Jillian, this one is for you.

Splendor

Waking today to an emptiness,

a sense that defies definition

or explanation.

Except it is there, the grayness of the sky

the presence of rain, soft and steady

the questions hanging like the humidity of the air,

Why? How? When? What? Where?

The ones we cannot name, will never speak…

which makes even more splendid the gift of your name,

the beauty of your open heart,

the soul song of your words,

the precious spark of your spirit.

Circling in cycles with true wonder,

love lived and lives lost,

trails explored and the courage to

carve a new path across sacred ground.

The gift of seeing the rainbow revelations,

even when the clouds are heaviest.

The splendor of your heart song,

shining out across the universe.

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Julie Schmidt's avatar

What a wondrous poem of remembrance. Loved this, "The splendor of your heart song, shining out across the universe." Being with the pain of loss, yet also finding the connection in the heart that is eternal.

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Thank you Julie!

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Thank you Jillian. It is so wonderful to see and read your beauitful writing and sense your ever glowing spirit. I am sorry for the loss of your beloved Buddha. What a splendid photo. The depth in Buddha's eyes are lasting andf life affirming. I was just speaking of their passing of my last dog. Charlie, many years ago, a black lab whom we buried on our property in Northern Vermont many years ago. I still miss the spark of his being. Thinking of you, dear beloved person.

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A. Wilder Westgate's avatar

My friends have lost two beloved dogs within the last few years. It's such a heavy loss. I try not to think about how long we'll have with our own dog, River Song - she turned 7 this year - and just enjoy while she's with us.

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

Each moment is a precious moment. Losing our beloved animal partners is a deep loss. May River Song and you all bless each other for many years to come!

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Steven Barbery's avatar

Sorry for your loss, Jillian. We form such connections with our pets and they often understand us and value us more than we do. I believe in a resurrection and reconciliation that includes our pets and all of creation being made new. May your tears be filled with happy memories and your heart filled with the love you shared with Buddha.

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Julie Schmidt's avatar

The crackling of the fire

sent sparks flying through the air.

Rising up to kiss the constellations

resting in the ebony sky.

.

Sitting still as if frozen in time, mesmerized

by the swaying and spiraling flames.

Each a veil from the belly dancer’s dress

enticing me, enthralling me.

.

Blazing enchanted passions

opening gateways, taking me to unknown

places and moments of grace and wonder.

Ahhh, the splendor of a kindled heart.

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Larry Brickner-Wood's avatar

This is very beautiful Julie. I love " rising up to kiss the constellations, resting in thr ebony sky." splendid imagery and rhythmic flow. It is nice to see and read your poetry again!

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Julie Schmidt's avatar

Jillian, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet beloved Buddha! So hard on the heart. This is a precious tender time, take care of you.

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