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Featured Poem: Out of Sorts

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By Dorothy Atkins
Santa Clara County Branch

Year after year during the months of August and September when the
leaves begin to turn, and that cool breeze can be felt in the air, the
malady begins.

My heart feels so saturated with longing and out of sorts.

Then suddenly, without explanation, it becomes clear
Mother gone in August, dad gone in September many years ago.

Time has caressed the pain and placed it in that private place, yet
the malady has a way of creeping in and catches me off guard.

The moment I speak gently to my soul, it begins to slowly disappear.
No regrets nor sadness, just an unexplained feeling that holds me
captive year after year.

August and September.

 

9 comments

  2. Karen Morris says:

    Your poem reminds us that the heart does not forget. It’s sad but fitting to remember loved ones during the season that we lost them; it pays tribute to them, and in a way to us. I especially like the phrase “saturated with longing.”

  3. Claire A. Massey says:

    The poet remembers her season of loss, reminding us we have friends who may need our quiet, loving presence during this season of family celebrations.

    Claire Massey
    Poetry Editor
    NLAPW

    • audrey mchugh says:

      Thank you Claire for suggesting this blog to me. I read a lot of poetry and one of the pleasures is insight into the creativity of other minds. Audrey Mchugh

  4. Andrea Walker says:

    Thank you for sharing your feelings in such a poignant way. We sometimes have feelings we don’t quite understand. You’ve expressed it very well in “Out of Sorts.”

  7. E. Marie Francis says:

    Memories are one of the greatest gifts that we have. However, some are good and others a bit sad. The good part of a sad memory of our loved ones who have passed is a big loss but the same time shared while they are with us is very dear and happy. Happy Holidays. I just lost my husband almost three years ago and have the same dilemma.

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