A commonality amongst writers, it would seem to me, is that the words push forth, demanding to be expressed. The quality nor the audience seem important. And thus it was with the following poem, prompted by thoughts of my daughter in law, Erin, on a ‘special’ birthday without her husband, Sam…
Birthdays Passing
Birthdays come and go
Leaving messages hither and thither
But what do they really show?
Amongst the party poppers and glitter.
Friends and family turn to you
Asking how to make this day
A special day, definitely not blue
Without heavy dues to pay.
But the cost of time passing
Cannot be easily made up
Especially those loved ones missing
Those who used to fill your cup.
And yet the task is sure
To live a life amongst the pain
To honour those who went before
Missing loved ones who don’t remain.
And this challenge faces us all
But for some the task can seem
A burden that makes us fall
Living a bad, bad dream.
However, on your shoulders there appears
The strength and love of those now gone
To wipe away the veil of tears
And point toward the rising sun.
Brian Matthews, 25/8/23
Brian’s Reflections 