Featured Poem: Martha Anne

By Ann Falcone Shalaski
Chesapeake Bay Branch

 

In Memory of Martha Anne King (1946-2020)

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave a footprint in your heart.
-Elea
nor Roosevelt

Sorrow, an unrelenting ache, moves across our bodies.
Finds a home in every nook and crevice.
Pools in the bottom of our hearts.

Yet we continue to live. Continue to face
a brand-new day without her.
Yellow morning light breaks across the table,

missing one setting. Missing Martha Anne.
Brave and quiet, folded into her bed,
enveloped in beauty, she passed.

Afternoon sun precariously balanced
at her window.
How do we live without our friend?

Without feeling lost? Uncomplaining
as she was. And why is it not yesterday
when everything was right?

Before the final soft stir of silence
swept her away. Changed everything.
A change that is the same as sadness.

5 comments

  1. Brenda Layman says:

    This gentle, loving tribute to a loved one’s memory is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing this elegant and moving poem.

  2. Tracy Lanum says:

    Martha Anne was a remarkable woman in so many ways. She rarely complained but always had a smile upon her lovely face. She will be in the hearts and memories of many, many people. We love you Martha Anne.

  3. Barb Whitmarsh NLAPW says:

    A VERY WELL CONSTRUCTED
    TESTIMONY/POEM TO A DECEASED FRIEND.
    MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.

  4. Mary Heintjes says:

    Ah. That was so beautiful. Thank you. It flowed out so warmly and sparingly. So sorry for your loss

  5. Lois Batchelor Howard says:

    Ann, yours is a beautiful poem. It poignantly describes our loss in losing a loved one. .
    I concur wholeheartedly with your expressions of grief and sorrow.. Your words are all very touching, but I especially like “Before the final soft stir of silence swept her away.” You have a gift in writing; thank you, thank you. May you be comforted with your close and loving memories. This helps me in my grief. Again, thank you. Lois

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