Margaret ("Peggy") Eleanor Trotter (nee Marshall)
27 April 1927 - 14 September 2012
Arriving at the homestead
I found the windows blankly staring
and the door swinging
open to the wind.
The rooms were empty of everything
except dust and echoes.
A soft tinkling of piano keys.
A clear voice lifted in song.
I smelt again the scent of geraniums,
the sweet steam of boiled fruit,
and recalled the warm enclosure
of flour-dusted arms.
When last I came,
I found the homestead gone.
Could no longer locate
the heart inside the house.
Yet, turning to go, heard again
the piano playing; the voice singing;
and realised that I would always
find you at home.
Chris Trotter
19-20 September 2012
This posting is exclusive to the Bowalley Road blogsite.
18 comments:
My thoughts are with you and your family Chris with the passing of your mother.
My sympathies on your loss Chris. Family is such a big part of who we are.
Fabulous tribute Chris. My condolences. There's not much that supercedes the glorious scent of Otago fruit being prepared for bottling. My memory is etched with similar joy.
All the best Chris, once the grief subsides the memories can live in your heart and you may find yourself having certain conversations with an understanding like you never had before.
Well said, Chris, and cheers to you.
Condolences Chris. My mother died recently too.Tom Brokaw rightly called them the greatest generation.
Sad to hear that, Chris. Condolences to you and your family.
My condolences, Chris.
Sincere condolences, Chris.
You've written a wonderful tribute to your Mum and I hope that, in some small way, this helps assuage some of the grief you must be feeling.
Sorry to hear your Mum has passed away Chris. May she rest in peace, and your family find solace in the joy her life brought.
Mad Marxist.
Sorry to hear about your Mum passing away Chris. May she rest in peace. And may the joy she gave to your family in her life give you some comfort and fond memories as you cope with this difficult shift in life.
Mad Marxist.
Chris, I once criticised your poetry but I am sure your mother loved that you could write a poem for her. Our sympathy and condolences.
PS Nice to see Whales comment, given his mother just passed away.
My thoughts are with you Chris.
Chris,
A spider spins its story in thin air. Simple
things stir the dust from our door, leaving us
breathless. 'Oh, I don’t know why.'
David Howard
Your poem is a lovely tribute to your mother Chris, and goes well with the photograph of her you have put up. My sincere condolences for your loss. I agree with Kat; in some strange way your relationship with your mother continues to deepen after she is gone, and grief gives way to the joy of having had her in your life.
May the love and happy memories of your mother bring you comfort.
That is a wonderful tribute not just to you mother but to other mothers who will always be found at home.
Nice poem Chris. You don't know how lucky you are. My mum died after a matter of hours due to a meningococcal infection. I said goodbye at Christchurch hospital and continued north to live with an aunt, without my sisters. That was an abrupt end to an idyllic existence within the confines of Lyttleton Harbour. I was six years old.
sorry to hear of your loss, lovely poem
Russell
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