When I was a child My brother had a blanket It was pale blue Dirty most of the time Like the sky Before an oncoming summer storm Mother hated that blanket I did not need a blanket I was mom’s favourite My half of the room was always neat One day Mother burned my brother’s blanket He was devastated Mom is gone now I haven’t seen my brother in years
REGIS...WE ALMOST GOT A FULL AUTOBIOGRAPHY HERE. HOPE THINGS HAVE CHANGED BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR BROTHER AND THAT HE WAS ABLE TO LET 'MOM' REST IN PEACE. THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE *HIS INSPIRATIONS
I had a little plastic charm I carried with me in my purse and all, but one day Mother must have thrown it out. So sad when I lost it, never forgot it either.
Reviewed by Peter Schlosser (Reader)
Reviewed on October 3, 2009
Poor guy. I hope he found a suitable replacement. Great story.
This piece is much deeper than it may appear at first to some. When one is stripped of the thing that gives them their sense of comfort, one can never be the same, can they? But also, when someone wiser (mother) knows that this "thing" is not what you need to survive and thrive, and takes it from you...it is out of love, so that you can move forward, stretch and grow. A lesson of childhood that we keep throughout our lives. Growing attached to something (or someone) and ultimately losing it...difficult on all levels. I appreciate the depth of this piece Reg. Nicely done! Hugs, Elizabeth
Nice, very nice and sweet!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
Reviewed by Riley Burton (Reader)
Reviewed on March 23, 2008
Wow, this is a point to think about, I had an Uncle I thought was the greatest and he always called and said hello. Then he lived with us for a while he liked me and told me I should move away from my Elderly Parents, but they need me. He thought he could get along with his older brother my dad. But he found out he couldn't so he moved again. This time he does not call anymore.
So, this poem hits home a bit.
Thanks for reading my children stories
Cheers
Riley Burton
WOW! this was intensely written with attitude and flair!
Love it!
Those memories will live on in a heart so strong!
I hope your brother and you can see it through...
1 day right in front of you!
Write On!
Warmest Blessings and Inner Peace, Warrior Purple Lady Sweet Shexooo
I know exactly how you feel, I had a panda bear, my godfather gave me, it was bigger than I was at the time. My mom got mad at me one day, she caught me going fishing by myself, well almost by myself, my panda bear was a great fishing partner, and she drug me in the house, leaving my bear behind, it rained that night, and there was no bear, no more friend.
Reviewed by Sanja Dayslink (Reader)
Reviewed on March 13, 2008
What a very touching write. I was my father's fave, my mother not so much - we were soooo much alike, that we fought when we should have loved. It took my fathers passing for me to realize that all I had left was my mother....we now have a very close relationship. For my siblings, we are not close, I long for that closeness - but have come to the realization that its just not in the cards. Thank you for sharing this, I am sure it was hard for you to. Well penned!
Parenting doesn't come with a good sound set of ruels. We can only be what we learn & what we know. We can then take it to a better level. I learned how not to be from my rearing. I took all the good I could remember and applied it to my gilrs, but then I do expect my daughters to do even better than me as a parent.
On Easter one year I gave them a special card which said:
"You Are My Favorite Daughter-Don't Tell Your Sister!" lol
My God, Regis--a whole life defined by controversy surrounding a blanket. Actually though, I can identify with this. I had a drawerful of blankets as a very young child, and would get a freshly washed one every night since my mother was so germ conscious.
I hope your rooms are still neat, and your brother finds solace in...something.
I really loved this. Thanks for sharing it.
Leann
This brilliantly written piece touched some sensitive chords for me. I have been distanced from all of my siblings at different points in my life..healing now I think, and Hope..but the bottom line always seems to come back to childhood issues. What an almighty responsibility we have as Parents...A real thought provoker. Thank you for sharing this important piece of your life history. My best wishes. Diana.
With the image of the little boy and the bright red and blue letters, I was so ready to be wisked away to Mother Goose land but then you dropped us in the middle of the forest with Hansel and Gretel and the darkness! I remember my parents always left me behind in Tennessee when my father left to work up north every summer and they took my younger sister because she was a difficult and stubborn child. I was well behaved so I was left behind. I cried; it made me fell unwanted. I feel the rejection and my stomach hurt at the end of your poem. So much emotion in so few words. Well done.
This is very sad, Reg. It brings back memories of what was done to me by my mother. Oh well, what ever doesn't kill us, only serves to make us stronger. Thank you so much for sharing.
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), sister Barbie
Fascinating story in a short capsule of a poem! I'm intrigued with the open cadence at the end? My emotions were at first horror that your mother burned your brother's blanket, but then I reflected on her motives (breaking his dependency for example) I wonder how your brother feels about "Mom" in retrospect after all these years!
A lot of impact in a short poetic "byte"
Reading this, this wet morning...overtired from lack of restful sleep, I am in awe! Yesterday, after 8 years of not knowing where my little brother was...I received an e-mail from him! It kept me up thinking about, all he's gone through and how it must feel when your family alienates you...I prayed he'd contact me, just to relieve the "not-knowing" and he did! This confirms divine intervention...he too had his blanket!
Reg...your brother is fine! That's all I can make out of the timely connections here!
Enjoyed, more than you now!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
when a parent favors one child over another the ramifications result in an unbalanced and unfortunate experience for both siblings... powerful encapsulation, Regis ...
Reviewed by ~ Holly Harbridge (Reader)
Reviewed on February 21, 2008
Much has been left un said in this small write...very sad, (hugs) holly
Sadness emits from this poem. Blankets often provide a certain security for that which is missing in a childs life. Too bad she burned your brothers blanket!....M
This is such a sad poem. Nobody's blanket should be burned. Washed and dried but not burned. But still I'm sorry you haven't heard from your brother in such a long time. Great sad write. Liz
Liked this, Regis. Family influences our lives for good or bad, often unintentionally. Might want to get back in touch with that brother if you care about him...none of us has a guarantee that tommorrow will be there for us or those we love. Anyway, really liked this. You be well,
Jim
Regis this is a great touching write and at the same time breaks my heart for we don't know, how long life is dear. Your brother was devastated when he lost one thing close to him , make sure he doesn't go through that again. It's never too late to reach out your hand or dial a number. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that must have been devastating
for your brother to have his
Security blanket burned by the
one person he love a child lets go of such things
he feels safe with eventually
It must be sad for you and him not to
To have a closed relationship!
Beautifully expressed i felt the longing in your words!
Maybe its time to make an effort to rediscover
What you have been missing each Other!
Wishing you Peace Love and hugssss...Morning Star
REG - I like Michelle's suggestion - the SYMBOL of a replacement blanket might well be the KEY to opening a dialogue, and securing a reparation and reunion. I would suspect other, deeper resentments might be uncovered?
Regis,
Parents are supposed to give unconditional love equally to each child. In reality, that never happens. How can they not pick a favorite? Perhaps they feel closer to one or relate best to one. This always hurts the other(s) though. Even if nothing is ever proclaimed aloud, the children can sense it. We all seek that love when we are young and when it isn't like we hope...it hurts. We wonder what we could have done differently or what we did wrong. I had a security blanket...kept it longer than I should have. I was also a favorite, though. My insecurity origniated from something else. My point is, we can't control how our parents feel and many times there are other issues contributing to the need for a security blanket. Supposedly order of birth contributes to personality traits as well. Also, if your mother was still alive, who's to say how she'd feel now? My mother changed her mind about me...lol. If we are secure enough in life, we no longer need that approval anyway. Perhaps he became reliant on the independence he was forced to seek when the love he sought wasn't as strong as he'd hoped - now he knows no other way to live? Maybe one day you and your brother will reunite and you will be surprised by his reasoning for the distance? Sometimes things are not as they seem...people are so complex. I hope you do find peace with this situation one day. Answers are always good to have, even if the relationship isn't meant to be. This poem brought up a lot of emotions and thoughts for me. Way to write! Thank you for sharing this! Love and Hugs:)
Sheila
Funny how "some" things from childhood are so very hard to part with even into adulthood...I had this beat up teddy bear that if I still had it I would have it near...LOL! Instead I got Rufuz, ;) Ed
This is a very touching poem Regis, an honest evaluation. Things set in place in childhood are often difficult to dislodge but, once recognised the healing can begin.
My grandson has a small blankie he cherishes. When the time comes for him to part with it he will experience his first broken heart.
Blessings and love,
Susan
Wow--such wandering thoughts so neatly sewn together.
Too bad life isn't always as beautiful as this poem.
I think everyone can find a line or two (or 14) to relate to.
Just keep letting that mind wander--don't shut it out.
--RaeLynn
I did not have a security blanket. Nor did either of my two daughters. However, all three of my grandchildren have had one. The youngest, Cheyenne Nicole, gave her's up just late last year. At age two and one half. My only grandson, Christian Michael held on tenaciously to his for three years. I just read your bio yesterday. I see that you are certainly eminently qualified to critique my humble works. I am honored that you take your time to read my poetic renderings. I hope that you and your sibling are on good terms. I have three siblings. My youngest brother and older sister and I get on well. I have not spoken to my oldest brother in years I am sorry to say. He is devious and not credible. Much of the grief in my otherwise great life is rooted in encounters with him. I wish it were not so. My attempts to make a peaceful pact have failed. My soul cries out at this sorrowful relationship. His taunting of my aged father in the last few years of his life have made it most difficult for me to attempt to resolve our rift. I have not given up hope that he will change and there can be reconciliation. I am a peace loving, God fearing man and this situation tears at me daily. Surely, I have digressed. My apologies. Peace be with you. Jon Michael Willey
Oh my...mothers never fully comprehend how their children will react to their actions do they? Your poor brother, and poor you. To be robbed of each other's company is sad. I always swore that someday my daughter would tell her analyst about all the awful things I did as a parent (out of ignorance-never malice) and of course she did! Since then, she has since outgrown her angst over my parenting methods and has since thanked me for steering her the right way when I could have stepped back and let her fall. Now she thinks I did a good job. I'm glad I never burned her blanket though. I hope that someday you and your brother can find peace. Perhaps a good place to start is by purchasing a new sky blue blanket, rubbing a bit of soil into it so it would resemble the old one, and going to visit him. Give him back his blanket so to speak, and in turn you will be giving him yourself. Family is precious Reg. This is such a poignant write...as all your work is. It stirs the soul.
If your mom had given him time, he would have abandoned the blanket when he felt secure enough to be without it and felt empowered in doing so. Taking the blanket as she did may have violated his trust in her as well as destroying the one thing that gave him the greatest sense of security. One has to wonder if that event is part of the reason your brother has not kept in touch. Such a sad story/poem. I hope that you and your brother find a way to become close as there is not another person in this world that shares the things that the two of you do.
Take care,
Sherry
Oh,this is so sad Regis. I hope someday you can find him again and make peace with him. Family is everything and I'm sure you will find a wonderful peace with him. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt poem and making me think of my childhood too. Love, Bonnie
Gee! I can't see it as your fault, unless you rubbed it in. (lol) I guess peolple are touchy about what makes them feel secure. Peace, Love and Blessings Always, Paul.
An emotional high and low in this Reg. What you have said and left unsaid speaks volumes. Burnt-bridges in families can be as devestating as a burnt blanket. Beautiful, and heavy poem.
This hurts, I have four children all one year apart, 2 boys and 2 girls, I truly love them all the same. I have taught them that life it not always fair, but the love has to be, from a parent.
I feel your sadness,,
Love, Christine
...you have uncovered much...a blanket no longer...the warmth of a family member gone...and a lost brother...unhealed burns.
written with sad honesty...yet penned with excellence Regis...
John
Wonderful writing, Regis. To a prose lover, this translates as very powerful prose poetry as well. The statements are crystal and the resulting emotional impact of reading both on and between the lines is very precise and acute. Bless you. This is sharp and is just the sort of tale I can well relate to! Pale blue dirty, like the sky, is so rich and accurate. xx
Heartbreaking write, mon ami! I'm so sorry this happened to you!
(((HUGS))) and much love, ton ami dans Texas, Karen Lynn. :(
Reviewed by Rafika Anderson (Reader)
Reviewed on February 18, 2008
Oh, Regis, this brought me to tears. The story line is so touching and I can relate, since it is similar to my relationship with my own brother and our sibling rivalry. Thank you for sharing, my friend.
Regis, this brought back some wonderful memories of my son's favorite stuffed animal. He carried it everywhere and sucked on the dog's foot...yuk, disgusting, my husband burnt it one day and my son was left devastated. Your poem allows this reader to feel your pain, as well as your brothers. He felt unloved and resented you because he felt you were the apple of your Mother's eye...he felt pain and hurt, and it caused him to never want to be around you. This is sad & heart rendering...maybe, one day one of you will take the step forward to mend the past. This was such an exceptional writing Regis...I could feel so much in this writing.
Wow! So much said Regis. As a mother I know most children have a blanket like that, but with my two sons one did and the other didn't. Your perception is amazing in this one,I can relate to it.
One of my sons had such a blanket, it was sacred and though I washed it I would never have done away with it. Enjoyed the poem so sad how brothers get distanced by many things.
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Much love,
Mary
So, this poem hits home a bit.
Thanks for reading my children stories
Cheers
Riley Burton
Love it!
Those memories will live on in a heart so strong!
I hope your brother and you can see it through...
1 day right in front of you!
Write On!
Warmest Blessings and Inner Peace, Warrior Purple Lady Sweet Shexooo
STay Positive!
STay STrong!
Sanja xo
Parenting doesn't come with a good sound set of ruels. We can only be what we learn & what we know. We can then take it to a better level. I learned how not to be from my rearing. I took all the good I could remember and applied it to my gilrs, but then I do expect my daughters to do even better than me as a parent.
On Easter one year I gave them a special card which said:
"You Are My Favorite Daughter-Don't Tell Your Sister!" lol
Love & Hugs
Embrasse'
Vickie
psst....UR a Great Father! :)
I hope your rooms are still neat, and your brother finds solace in...something.
I really loved this. Thanks for sharing it.
Leann
May the Lord Jesus bless you, and those whom you love, and be with you always, and at your side constantly. With much love in my heart, joy to the world, peace on earth, & ((((((((((MANY WONDERFUL SISTERLY HUGGGGSSSS)))))))))), sister Barbie
Extraordinary work here.
A lot of impact in a short poetic "byte"
love,
Gina
Love & Hugs TinkaSweets
Immediate and true!! Thank you for sharing Dear Regis...!!
Love, Suzie :-D
Selene
Axilea
Reg...your brother is fine! That's all I can make out of the timely connections here!
Enjoyed, more than you now!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Thanks for sharing
Peace be with you
William
Jim
Newfie Hugs, Rose
Carole~
for your brother to have his
Security blanket burned by the
one person he love a child lets go of such things
he feels safe with eventually
It must be sad for you and him not to
To have a closed relationship!
Beautifully expressed i felt the longing in your words!
Maybe its time to make an effort to rediscover
What you have been missing each Other!
Wishing you Peace Love and hugssss...Morning Star
Pax Tecum... Tom.
Fee
but so lovely,
Louisa
Thanks for sharing,
Amour et paix
Mahdi
Chrissy
Georg
Parents are supposed to give unconditional love equally to each child. In reality, that never happens. How can they not pick a favorite? Perhaps they feel closer to one or relate best to one. This always hurts the other(s) though. Even if nothing is ever proclaimed aloud, the children can sense it. We all seek that love when we are young and when it isn't like we hope...it hurts. We wonder what we could have done differently or what we did wrong. I had a security blanket...kept it longer than I should have. I was also a favorite, though. My insecurity origniated from something else. My point is, we can't control how our parents feel and many times there are other issues contributing to the need for a security blanket. Supposedly order of birth contributes to personality traits as well. Also, if your mother was still alive, who's to say how she'd feel now? My mother changed her mind about me...lol. If we are secure enough in life, we no longer need that approval anyway. Perhaps he became reliant on the independence he was forced to seek when the love he sought wasn't as strong as he'd hoped - now he knows no other way to live? Maybe one day you and your brother will reunite and you will be surprised by his reasoning for the distance? Sometimes things are not as they seem...people are so complex. I hope you do find peace with this situation one day. Answers are always good to have, even if the relationship isn't meant to be. This poem brought up a lot of emotions and thoughts for me. Way to write! Thank you for sharing this! Love and Hugs:)
Sheila
Be always safe,
Karen
Take care,
Pierre
Kind regards, Tom
Blessings and love,
Susan
thanks for sharing part of you Regis.
Peace
Ron
Too bad life isn't always as beautiful as this poem.
I think everyone can find a line or two (or 14) to relate to.
Just keep letting that mind wander--don't shut it out.
--RaeLynn
Larry
Much love,
Michelle
Take care,
Sherry
Becca~
a novel in 14 lines!
and a good write
john+
Gee! I can't see it as your fault, unless you rubbed it in. (lol) I guess peolple are touchy about what makes them feel secure. Peace, Love and Blessings Always, Paul.
Micke
I feel your sadness,,
Love, Christine
written with sad honesty...yet penned with excellence Regis...
John
(((HUGS))) and much love, ton ami dans Texas, Karen Lynn. :(
Best wishes,
Rafika
Great range of emotion shown within.
Cryssa
This one deeply moving, sad - I'm so sorry. You opened your soul and gave us a peek into a life that isn't all happiness and roses - well done.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
ann
Peace,
Dan