Cold Hands
I said my hands are cold – it’s freezing outside –
but he insisted, and warmed them with his,
lying there in the palliative ward.
Towards the end my daughter, his wife,
held his hand all the time…
I spelled her when she had things to do.
She was holding his hand when he….stopped.
Now his hands are ice-cold, in the morgue,
and mine are still warm…
for now.
12/07/2022 @ 2:24 pm
Loss is difficult. Stay warm.
12/07/2022 @ 2:59 pm
yup…and yup (trying…very trying, as my 1st husband used to say)
12/07/2022 @ 2:28 pm
Hey Gina!
Your description of the passing of your son-in-law is artfully brief and achingly poignant…
I’m certain that he felt the warmth of your heart despite your belief that your hands would feel cold…
Glad to hear from you!
12/07/2022 @ 3:00 pm
I’m baaaaaack!
Thanks
12/09/2022 @ 9:27 am
We are all survivors struggling under the burdens of grief. When my turn come, I hope to meet the end with as much grace.
12/09/2022 @ 9:38 am
haiku to welcome
Myriad for all seasons
kind comedian quick wit
12/09/2022 @ 10:32 am
Family endures
Gone dawn blue waves
lost eye glint
Eternal warmth glows
12/11/2022 @ 5:15 pm
Gina, I’m sorry about your son in law. He sounds like he was a lovely person, comforting you on his journey out.
Something I’m trying to get better about while growing old is acceptance of how many beloveds are gone, extra missed around the holidays. You’re a master at creating ritual as I remember. Maybe you can make one for him, your poem here could be a part.
12/11/2022 @ 7:38 pm
Green burial tomorrow, an informal remembrance gathering at that time – maybe I’ll say the above words – I was thinking of saying my car clock will be wrong half the year in his memory, also my increased efforts at keeping the car cleaned out. But that would be flippant.
12/12/2022 @ 7:06 am
Gina,
I hope you spoke about the car clock! It’s so relatable and tender. Many of us live with a wrong car clock half the year, and wish we had a car clock hero like your son in law. You will think of him now with every drive.
12/20/2022 @ 10:14 pm
Sorry I haven’t been by in a few weeks. Glad to see you though bad circumstances.
I’m guessing it’s good to have your hand held when you pass. I held one of my father’s.
Not so flippant. It’s a long association. He’d probably appreciate it.