In response to Melissa Lemay’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #280
Stale Flowers
each year I still do the same
arrange loose, timid, and feathery stems
as if forlorn sentiments might live therein
early this day, we both compulsively press
our dignified threads, to look our best
each year I still do the same
listen to dad call it a gift, a life to remember
his heart quite lifeless, quick to surrender
my amazing mom got sick when I was two
still hearing dad brief me on what to do
at five I do what I am told
search for mom’s favorite flowers, quite wild
loved them like her smart, and favorite child
she would laugh, cook, and then cheerfully say
please think of me while you and the trees play
at five I do what I am told
I asked the doctor, can you please tell me why
answered with salty tears, even the best folks die
I think I will just hunker down in the sun and cry a bit
dream that the greatest mom, never did get sick
at five I do what I am told
moving flowers on toneless, yet cozy ground
I listen to nature’s obliging but still grievous sound
remember her gentle kisses on my grateful cheek
mom’s heart was too big, and that made it weak
at five I do what I am told
I miss her voice, and how dad used to smile a lot
never wanting to visit that ancient and empty plot
cradle my face in both hands, and prophetically stare
suddenly . . . I feel her, and I see my mom right there
To join in the fun, please go to Melissa’s link below.
So . such a touching piece Joni. 🥺💜💜💜
Thank you for reading Nigel, I absolutely loved your last piece on Hotel, that was one of your best poems ever. This was a real different poem for me. I wrote from a child and an adult perspective which matched the use of words hopefully somewhat. I am glad you liked it. I am really trying to mix it up a bit. I am going to be writing a true story for Mich and sending that to her hopefully fairly soon. ❤️🥰
👏👏👏 well this is an exciting development. 😊 I’m looking forward to the story. 🙏
An eloquent and poignant piece, Joni. “please think of me while you and the trees play” and quite a few other lines really tugged at my heart.❤️
Thank you so much Melissa. I am delighted you like it. I tried to write from a child and an adult memory both. It was completely fictitious, but I really loved the prompt you used and I had enjoyed looking at that beautiful old painting before. Great choose, big hugs and blessings coming your way. 🥰🙏❤️
And to you, my friend. I hope you have a wonderful day.❤️🙏🏻
Thank you dear Melissa. ❤️
Wonderful, Joni, it touches my heart. ❤
Oh thank you Timothy. A bit of a different style for me but it is funny for me how much a visual prompt can immediately start sending thoughts to my mind. I am glad it touched your heart. Love, hugs and blessings coming your way, Joni ❤️
What a wonderful piece, Joni! Well done 👏👏💐💐
Thank you my wish friend. I really appreciate your reading and your gracious words. Big hugs and love, Joni 🌹
You’re more than welcome, Joni! 🙏💖
You seem like such a happy and contented man. I am guessing that you practice mindfulness and yoga on a daily basis, I think that is where much of your love on the moment comes for as well. Your work just keeps getting better every year my friend. 🥰 Love Joni
So happy to hear that from you, Joni! So nice of you to say so. It’s your graciousness. I do practise yoga and meditation. Much love 🙏💐💖
It is true my friend. You always have a lot of truth, kindness and great advice in the things you write and that is why I assumed you were a practicer of both. Not surprised I am right. You are loved in this community. A peaceful man, someone who helps balance things when someone has had a hard day. Love and blessing always my friend.
Thank you so much, Joni, for your kind words! You’re always welcome 🙏💐💖
C’est très tendre mlle Joni
I found that so soft and touching.
Take good care❤️❤️ see you soon
Hugs
💌Myriam
I am so glad you found it sweet my dear, dear friend. I thank you so much for reading and for this very gracious comment. Many blessings and lots of fun encounters in the woods and the active life there. Much love and kisses 😘
Lovely writing Joni, I really enjoyed this piece!🤗
You are so kind Tiffany. Thank you so much. I am trying to shake things up a bit. I am sending you and your family, especially your mother my prayers Tiffany. Bless your heart, I think about you quite a bit. Sending you lots of love and joy in life. Love you Tiffany❤️
Lovely, Joni, but sad.
Thank you Dawn for your gracious comment. I really do appreciate it. Yes, it is always so sad for a child to lose either of their parents. Big hugs and thank you dear friend. Blessings and happy weekend Dawn. ❤️🥰
Touching poetry and you have beautifully arranged the flowers.
Love and Light
Kritika
Oh thank you dear Kritika for reading and I am delighted you liked it. I thought it was a great prompt. I really enjoy writing from visual prompts. She does a great job at picking them I think. Sending you love and light right back my friend. 🥰