As you know, here is a long tradition among poets of writing fiction in the first person. The sailboat in the poem was real, and the woman who commented from the shore. Three 'fishermen.' In fact, everything is true . E x c e p t that no one in my immediate family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. [to which I lost my best friend years ago, among others. . .disease has had an impact on virtually everyone I know, and will continue to until a cure, or at least effective treatment, is found}. Doesn't mean it won't happen, and that is where the fear and anxiety fueling this piece come from. Shouldn't happen to a n yone!!
Re the poem overall, I expect it is obvious that I have mixed emotions. One of my most treasured memories!
Thank you for being here.
Pea
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Before Lightning Strikes
Little tomato-red boat for a song. Sun turning lemon, then hiding. Flump, flump, flump of water objecting to our waifer- thin hull. Three good old boys pretending to fish. Two of us hugging the quiet end, me in a homemade bathing suit doesn't fit. Sale seersucker, stripes, forgotten threads dangle. Marshmallow cream on your nose, I tease. Weekday, lake to ourselves, amost. As we cast off, a woman sets down a pail and points. "That a boat or a biscuit tray?" Ask the three drift buy near noon, high as the sun despite their motor-rigged boat is riding low. Mostly fishing brews from a humongous cooler. "Cain't be married," the bareheaded one yells. "Too happy!" "Years!!" you yell back. Boom 'bout beans, feel myself melt. Flump, flump, flump. Sky flawless, then clouds. Forever getting to shore. Don't say tack to me. Shower with you after best. The cool. The tingle. Who said tired? You have to remember, you have to. Boat, sun, biscuit tray lady, something. Trio with the outboard- size cooler? Beet pate? Look again, okay? Say we will sail again. Worth the risk. No way we'll allow Alzheimer's to lock us in. Now help me remember where we hid the sunblock. Know how easy you burn. Think!!
(c) Phyllis Jean Green, 01/08 ALL Rights Reserved
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Reviews of "Before Lightning Strikes {slightly r e v i s e d}"
Touching write, powerful I might add...one never knows when their body will be attacked by disease, which seems to be running ramped across our land. I have a dear family friend who has alzheimer's disease, she is such a precious soul. I love to sit with her and allow her to walk down memory lane and talk of how she enjoyed teaching and the silly antics that myself and other classmates were involved in inside her classroom. She thrives on those years which seem like only yesterday to her...a powerful offering indeed. Captivating, thought provoking and well done!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Holes in the memory burnt from one devastating strike - painful to read, (((Pea))), indeed. (((HUGS))) Such a terrible disease...I pray this isn't reality...but have a feeling it is. I'm so sorry. Let me know if you need anything.
an interesting work. i think freedom when i read this. just peaceful being who you are within the realm of your own natual surroundings. i agree with Felix. lazy days of summer are some of the very best. makes me wish they were here now.
Gosh -i found this very moving indeed -.fractured, but what comes through isn't,it's priceless..spirit - of adventure, the whole story of independence and care - - the sunblock at the end is so loving - this is an amazing poem - works, how Alzheimer's is named only at the end, we are able to experience the disorientation and the will to make sense, reading the poem - really/not really works so well here! Before Lightening Strikes -the will/desire to Live and Love, and Make Meaning, comes through very strongly -Excellent poetry, brimming with emotion - super, Nicky xx
Your writings just keep gettin' better and better, Pea! I love how you write; you have your own style, and you write so danged well! If I could write half as good as you, I'd have it made in the shade! Another solid effort from your golden pen; I bow to your talents! BRAVA, Pea, BRAVA!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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Regis
Carole~
Blessings,
Joyce B.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. *tears*
randy
Fee
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
A profound message throughout the lines of "Before Lightning Strikes".
In admiration,
Andre Emmanuel Bendavi ben-YEHU
Be safe,
Karen