Nine Years | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Nine Years | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joyce Simoneaux
04/13/05
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The shuffling of cards could be heard through the walls.
Her hands deal the deck as she waits for the calls.
On a couch all alone as thoughts build of her sorrow,
She lays each card down with no thought for tomorrow.

I work to stay busy and not intrude on her time.
I picture her gazing out the door for some sign.
The volume of her TV on high is not new.
Why on this day are my senses in tune?

Today is no different from any other day.
We live in the same house; to her, my rent I must pay.
We both live alone in each our own part ,
Of a house that she owns and once captured her heart.

I try to ignore what I cannot undo,
But my mind only focuses on why she’s so blue.
As time marches on, I hear the sounds less.
I wonder why as I iron my dress.

The silence I feel I can no longer ignore,
As quietly I approach that closed door
That connects our homes and never stays locked,
So she feels someone near as she stares at the clock.

I hesitate as I listen for a time,
But all I hear are the tinkling wind chimes.
So I knock very softly, almost a slight tap,
In case I disturb her afternoon nap.

So softly, so sadly, I hear her voice call
And see light come on through cracks in the wall.
I open the door and see where she sits amid clutter,
I enter and speak, “How are you?” I stutter.

As closer I draw, I see tears on her cheeks
And wonder what caused them and made her so bleak.
She finally rises to come to my side
With shuffling steps, not her usual stride.

The tears trace the tracks caused by creases of age
That line her dear face as time sets the stage.
Her six grown children with lives of their own
Once lived in this house when she called it a home.

“Hello, Sugar, I’m glad you came in.
It’s good to have company every now and again.”
“But why are you crying?” I ask as I approach.
“Is something wrong?” (I so hate to encroach.)

“Oh, dear, you have no way of knowing,
But I fear my sad mood is certainly showing.
Today it’s been nine years since my husband departed.
I was sitting here thinking of when it all started.”

I pulled her close and tightly embraced
This sweet, little woman and kissed her dear face.
Now I know why my spirit was in tune.
God had me enter not a moment too soon.

His timing is perfect in every way.
He knew she would need some comfort this day.
So sad an occasion most anniversaries are not,
And most times we fail to pick up on this plot.

The story is real for the ones who are left,
And we must remind them how much they are blessed.
Our God sends his vessels to comfort the hurting,
Who wrestle with memories and with despair they are flirting.

Sometimes all it takes is a smile and embrace
To comfort a soul who just cannot face
A sad anniversary with memories of loss.
Oh thank You, Lord, for bearing that cross.

Because You did, she can face new tomorrows,
And I tell her there’s hope and an end to her sorrows.
Her loved one will greet her as she some day will fly
To her beautiful mansion they will share in the sky.

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