In Honor of the Widow Seated Alone at the Restaurant On her Birthday by Lori Lipsky Their son found a wife Began married life His career took him far away Their next flew west He deemed it the best For him and his family Their girl met a man Transferred to Japan Pursued him across the sea Their youngest moved north He was the fourth Some grand opportunity Mom and Dad and no other Though they loved one another, Their children had all moved away. Grandbabies were born It caused them to mourn They couldn’t afford to visit Good intentions, well meant, Photos were sent, But then Dad grew ill and died Now mom lives alone Connects on the phone Her children are spread worldwide Her birthday was hard, One kid sent a card One called and wished her well No cake, no caring Her ache unsparing, Her kids all live far away. ***********
The first five stanzas were submitted to and published by Pegasus Review in April 2011 under a different title.
I have plans to eat out with my husband for my birthday today. We’ll be talking about our girls, I’m sure. Our youngest moved out of the house on Thursday to attend college a few states away in Missouri. Our oldest moves to Georgia in a couple of weeks. The empty nest days begin…
Is there a widow in your life? Do you know when her birthday is?
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This is so touching. You see these widows with such compassionate eyes,
and use your gift with words to arouse compassion is others. Well done.
Thank you, Anita. Very kind of you to say so.
Oh Lori, felt my heart break a little. Good write, a thoughtful and moving piece. And your final question is such a great thought to pursue!
Thank you, Poet Laundry. So kind of you to take the time to say so. I’m glad you dropped by.
Lori, this is so moving. Thank you for making me think about a widow, or anyone else, who may be alone on their birthday. And happy birthday for yesterday!
Thank you for the birthday wishes from a distant continent and thank you for your kind comments.
Wonderful poem, Lori! Thank you.
Thank you, Lada. Hugs to Lily Cat.
Thank you! Lily will be happy to get a hug!
Beautiful, Lori! So thought provoking and will hopefully spur us on to take action!
Thank you, Joanie!
Your poem makes me more aware, more determined to be there for the lonely ones in my path. Thanks, Lori.
I hope the same for myself, too. It is a fine goal. Thanks, Robin.
Lori, I gave you Sunshine Blogger Award. Please check it out here: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/sunshine-award-awesome-new-photos-of-russia/
Thank you, Lada Ray. I am honored. Your photos of Russia are divine.
Thank you so much!
This is so moving…my dad is a widower and ever so often, I see the loneliness in his eyes
Thanks for finding me and now I have found you too! This post “got to me” for it says how I feel.
I am not a widow, but I certainly an relate to the feelings of sadness of having your children and grandchildren living far away. Our kids grew up in San Antonio but moved to Michigan and Boston when they grew up. My husband and I tried to find a job closer to them, but nothing materialized. We live in Virginia now, as close to them as we’re going to get. It will never be close enough. Very poignant and well-written poem.