Two anniversaries of loss have come and gone in recent days. Firstly, the second anniversary of my Mum’s death (Mary Eileen Matthews, 10/9/1927 – 12/7/2021)
Another Anniversary The day comes again Reminding of your passing Mindful of those difficult last years Thinking of the good times too. Our Mums central to our being Shaping so much of what we are But only human themselves Bogged down in history and the zeitgeist. Still through this moulding another And some mould many Creating novel individuals Even from the same womb. Resting in peace Or galloping around the galaxy You have left your mark Many bear your stamp. Brian Matthews, 12/7/23
And, five days later, the second anniversary of my younger brother Ian’s passing
(28/10/1953 – 17/7/2021):
Another Year So hard to mark another year Since this world you left Leaving so many bereft. Your broad smile so missed And those lengthy anecdotes Wondering if these were jokes? Taken too young all agree With so much yet to offer And why, oh why, yet we ponder? Knowing that this is how It must be for everyone Here today then forever gone. But those who loved you Will share valued memories Of times your laughter carried on the breeze. Brian Matthews, 18-7-23
And amongst this, partly to distract myself, I undertook some major gardening tasks and did myself some unexpected damage to my left hip:
The Pain A pain, so surprising Not felt before Threatening my very core. A result of working too hard For a man of my age Understanding it comes with the stage. Amazed how vulnerable I feel When one side of the body weak Unable to the environment tweak. An ache that lingers yet What is really feared is frailty A body unable to deal with reality. Brian Matthews, 18/7/23
Brian’s Reflections 