You were always hungry to hold freedom before your time.
I grew fat on hopes, content to linger on the vine.
On earth you never found the purpose you longed to hold.
I hope that now in heaven, peace is yours to know.
For Vaude
October 10, 1956 to December 25, 2002
So many times over the years I have wondered why my brother, and I chose such different paths. Both of the same vine, we shared so many things as children, but how we accepted and dealt with the troubles of our adulthood was so diverse. We were like different fruits of seperate gardens. I often thought that maybe there was something more that I could have done to help him. Now through life's hopes, struggles, and recoveries in my own life, I have come to realize that our lives are part of a bigger plan that our hands could never completely hold.
His struggles taught me to be strong. His searching helped me choose hope.
His shortened life was my teacher more than he ever knew.
Powerful imagery and endearing photo. A wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartfelt tribute. The photo is lovely.
ReplyDeletewow-the power and pull of family. I love the photo-and I love your family story that you were kind enough to share with us.
ReplyDeleteThis was so poignant, what a tribute to your brother, I feel so sad to read about him and loved the photo.
ReplyDeleteChristine
Carrie,
ReplyDeleteYou are very brave, thoughtful and caring, to share these inner thoughts.
We all worry so much about our loved ones, when they are with us and then we all have moments of guilt, if they leave.
It is good to have a balance and to also share.
The rest of us will benefit, from your example.
Best wishes, Eileen
Thank you everyone for your thoughtful and sweet comments. This piece was painful for me to type up, yet healing at the same time.
ReplyDeletewhat a tender magpie!
ReplyDeleteOdd, isn't it, how we can be so different from our siblings. I am nothing like my brothers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement to me on the Moonboat. I always appreciate your comments.
Very strong mental images raised by your words. The photo is a jewel. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you soundoffreedom, Cassandra and RA for taking the time to read it. Your comments are wonderful to read. :-)
ReplyDelete"I have come to realize that our lives are part of a bigger plan that our hands could never completely hold"
ReplyDeletevery touching post... it rings bells home.
great Magpie
loveNlight
Gabi
I hope that now in heaven, peace is yours to know.
ReplyDeleteI loved this part alot. Yeah we all crave for a bit of peace and keeps hope for the same,all day all night.
Thank you Gabi, and Nithin for stopping. Your comments are always a blessing to me. :-)
ReplyDeletegoosebumps! emotional and inspirational. A great read-very captivating. thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteA powerful piece Carrie, it is hard to think of such a loss, I still have all my siblings...from the same era you speak of...we too all took different paths, held different hopes and dreams -- there have many trials and near death experiences - love how you took the prompt and the vine and transformed it into this lovely tribute to your brothers life....bkm
ReplyDeletea very poignant piece alone, but when you added the personal story...it enriched the poem that much more. Thank you for being brave enough to share something so intimate. loved it!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful tribute to your brother. I felt chills creeping upon my arms while reading it. Heart touching.
ReplyDeleteHow true. Siblings are so different it's almost as if they were raised in different gardens. The photo is absolutely precious and the tribute to your brother is very touching.
ReplyDeleteSo touching and so telling. And yes very courageous writing. Thank you for having the faith and trust in your readers which allowed you to share this very personal memory
ReplyDeletevery beautiful and heartfelt story---your brother would be proud of you....
ReplyDeleteIt means very much to me for you all to take the time to read it, and your kind words are touching to me. Thank you all....:-)
ReplyDeleteTender and insightful ... your Magpie caused me to pause and consider how blessed I am to still have my two sisters. Thank you for having the courage to write it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing a piece you with us Carrie. Poetry is some times so fun and trivial and then there are other times where they are a reflection of one's soul or hopes. The story you tell here is touching, sad and happy all at the same time. You are truly an amazing person and poet.
ReplyDeleteWe are granted such a short amount of time with anyone..and bless the memories we can cherish...
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen, Robert, and Lyn for your kind words. They are appreciated very much. :-)
ReplyDeleteDear Carrie,
ReplyDeleteYour magpie has brought home truth that cannot be denied for me. An acceptance and still, a beautiful memory to be treasured.
Thank you for more than you know.
Sincerely
ninotaziz
The Magpie Tales truly bring writers from all continents and walk of life together - Thank you Willow.
Thank you Ninotaziz I love your observation about Mapgie Tales. That is so true how it brings so many writers together from all over the world. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and bittersweet. (how did I miss this one?)
ReplyDeleteThank you Willow for your sweet comment. You always inspire me. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful imagery of you and your brother...same vine, but differences too.
ReplyDeleteHi Steviewren glad you stopped by. I alway enjoy reading your blog. :-)
ReplyDelete