Poem of the Week: "I Wasn’t Ready"

Upper Moreland-Willow Grove Patch is happy to present poems from the residents of the Upper Moreland area.

This week's poem:

I Wasn’t Ready

By - written November 2011

I wasn’t ready
to say goodbye
although I’d rehearsed it
in my mind,
many times
through the years.

It should be drama!
Religiously rich,
the role of our lives,
profound words,
last minute confessions!

I wasn’t ready,
my superwoman,
to see you helpless,
lying still,
looking small
in a big, white bed.

I wasn’t ready
for the pain that
could no longer be hidden
by will
or bravery. 
No last embraces possible.

Shared snapshot memories
of a life and death
well done.
Harsh words
and sins
washed away at the last.

I wasn’t ready
to count the breaths
as you pulled away
from me,
from earth,
eyes on the other side.

Words all said
for better or for worse,
nothing left but the whoosh
of machines.
I prayed,
“God to show mercy!”

And then,
with a gentle sigh
and sweet smile,
accompanied by unseen escort,
your journey continues.

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In the poet's words:

"This is a poem I wrote in remembrance of my mother. I'm a retired teacher, writer and musician, aspiring to live the integrity and creativity  that my mother displayed in life and in death."

About the poet:

Hunter is a member of the , whose monthly meetings are held at .

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Have a poem you'd like published here?

Send them to gerrydungan@patch.com—don't forget to say a little bit about yourself, and the best way to get in touch with you. Please include "Poem of the Week" in the subject line.