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The Girl In The Window (for Lainey)
Gazing out, from this landing, serene and secure;
Hallowed ground is as a hologram, of days ahead.
A vessel compliant, strong of will, a heart pure,
Curious as to what awaits, along this grand tour;
Throwing caution to the wind, no sense of dread.
Take at face value, all that is seen, heard, said;
Growing up is never easy, you will have to endure;
Too young to see patterns, for needle and thread.
Life is for the living, let the dead bury the dead.
Only you can distinguish shade and shadow allure.
Over time, you will be spoken of by many a name;
Who addresses you, will define which is preferred.
Some will reflect a calling, others call to claim;
Regardless of how, who you are, will be the same,
By all so fortunate to have seen, read of, or heard.
Life is a series of challenges; press on undeterred;
Goals are worthy for those who play fair, the game.
Free falling may have consequences, but no blame;
Coming down from a mountain lends to vison blurred,
But a true visionary will take to canvas and frame.
You will take to the grandest stage one can afford;
Assume your role, as written, add flair of your spin;
Coats of colors, as real as rainbows to the children.
You to them, and they to you, will be mutually adored,
As you sing and dance them to a place of where and when.
Your current path to learning, the best place to begin;
When practical logic, acquired knowledge strike a chord,
You will find, over time, cognition is its own reward.
In turn, you will teach what you have heard and seen,
Freely sharing the wealth of wisdom you will have stored.
The terrain is vast, teeming or dormant, to be explored,
with roll calls, waiting for you to burst onto their scene.
In time, you will settle in Pallisers Triangle green;
From there, who knows what time will tell and record?
All I can say is, great things await, between now and then.
Written to Lainey, at Ten.
Michael Todd (2014)
For those following the timeline, this poem is a prequel to
"The Greatest Story" from 2013, which can be found here...
http://myketodd.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-greatest-story-for-lainey.html
You have captured the wonderful spirit of Lainey. If at 10 she knew what she'd endure, she would still go on, and be an inspiration. Well done. ~Dave
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Dave Raider. The Legacy had to start somewhere.
DeleteMike! Wonderful write!!! How are you, old friend?? Voo Bear 😍
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Voo. Lovely to see you, as always. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHow does life move on and move us apart. It makes me sad. It’s a beautiful write to a lovely soul.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deanna Fowler. You are far too kind.
DeleteCaptures lovely, thoughtful Lainey to perfection. I hope she's well.
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly, Anna... I hope so, too.
DeleteWhat more can I say other than a beautiful representation of sweet Lainey. As usual, a flawless write.
ReplyDeleteChris
Thank you so very much, Chrissie.
DeleteThat ten-year-old Lainey would know she would grow up to be held so tender in the hearts of those lucky enough to know her, you honor her so well 💙. I do miss her.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely did my best, Dahlia. Legacies are serious business...
DeleteAnd I miss her, too.
Michael, thank you for the link. This is earnest, heartfelt, beautifully poetic, and probably among the best of your pieces I've ever read. And that's no horseshit, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sir. Coming from The Wordmachinist, that bears weight... I meant every word, and I have never rhymed harder.
DeleteVery well done! Enjoyed! Thanks for the invite. -Jessica
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the shout out from New England, Jessica Brooke.
DeleteI love this. Especially these lines:
ReplyDeleteLife is for the living, let the dead bury the dead.
Only you can distinguish shade and shadow allure.
So true of life. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day! - Debbie
Those are signature phrases, Debbie. One is mine, the other is hers... Than you for reading.
DeleteLike walking in the white space between the lines. xoxoxoxox
ReplyDeleteThat is the only place to walk. Stepping on lines is bad luck.
DeleteI changed my name, it is now anonymous! lol xoxoxox Nyla
ReplyDeleteYou have a perfect balance between aliases and alliances.
DeleteWhat a beautiful poetic tribute to our sweet friend Lainey! Miss her so. Do you ever hear from her? She’d love this piece!
ReplyDeleteWell done, friend! 🙏🏻👏😍
Hugs 🤗 💕
Colleen B
Thank you, Colleen... She said she liked it, when I wrote it.
DeleteAs to hearing from her, no... It's been awhile.
As always you capture those moments some of us can feel, but just can’t see. Thought provoking wrapped in tenderness. Well done Myke
ReplyDelete(Steph y)
Thank you, Stephy. You are far too kind.
DeleteYou own the greatest and most generous heart, your stanzas are of course impeccable and meaningful as it is your friendship to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leigh. Love you to the moon and back.
DeleteWhat a gentle exquisite poem full of delicate guiding through life. Thank you, Myke, for relishing another of your poetic gems
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your candid observation. If pressed, I don't know if I can do this anymore. Not saying I would not try...
DeleteBeautifully captured. Capturing our feelings in writing is easier than capturing someone you know and obviously those who knew her feel you captured her well.
ReplyDeleteYou are spot on correct, Barbara. Still, one more opportunity to say it outright would be coveted.
Delete"Coming down from a mountain lends to vison blurred,/But a true visionary will take to canvas and frame."--and here is the girl in the window framed by the poet, the seer, the watcher/guardian--painted with love and hope.
ReplyDeleteThere was a picture of her, sitting in the big box picture window. She was gazing outside. That is what for me started.
DeleteMike the “anonymous” is me Demme 😌
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know, Demme.
DeleteDear Myke, It is good to read this. So many emotions captured in the letters - put together into your words and sentences. Much Love from your anonymous Karianne (Norway)
ReplyDeleteThank you, my magnificent songstress.
DeleteEloquent just like my memories of her… beautiful job my turkey feather friend hugs ❤️
ReplyDeleteMemories can take us through to the other side. Hugs back!
DeleteThat sang to me. So well expressed. Now I'd like to get to know this Lainey.
ReplyDeleteLee
She would surely be your new best friend, Arlee.
DeleteMasterful, as usual. But this one is written from a deeper place. This one is beyond the cerebral realm. I'm curious about this Lainy, and what prompted this well-crafted poem that sings from the soul.
ReplyDeleteI was just really devoted. She was my best friend for a long time.
DeleteWhat a lovely gift to your dear friend.
Delete