White Plaster Options

[Aphrodite]

You lie there, solid and firm,  
as onlookers gawk and comment  
on how good you turned out.  
 
“They did such a good job,” it is said,    
like white plaster thrown on hard walls,  
you just take it.  
 
How you love to hold hands, but not your own,  
the Rosary Beads  d r a p e   loosely cross  
spindly fingers, like drops from tears cried dry.  
 
In the bed you made, you lie cold,  
a hard box unlike the downy soft  
mattress you once fell into.  
 
In your bed, you lie ravaged from the  
poison of nicotine’s revenge.  
 
Oh, but for just one more breath of clean air.  
©Linda Balboni 2005

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Linda,

This is an interesting, well-constructed and important poem.

There are several elements to it - most notably, religion and death from smoking.

My parents weren't religious - so that part does not resonate with me. However, they did both die from smoking-related illnesses - and that certainly does resonate. My Father's illness, in particular, debilitated him over many years so the plaster-perfection is a superb irony, in so many ways.

Thank you for this.

J.

[Guest_Cathy_*]

Hi Linda!

This is such a sad poem, made sadder by the awful truth
laced within.

I started to crit before I realized what forum I was in (LOL)
but it brings out strong emotions the way it is.  The words
are from the heart and express the grief felt at losing a loved
one to smoking.  

Thanks for posting this,
Cathy

[Guest_Zeus˛_*]

Lindi,

with your delicate touch, a very forceful piece.
Made me think of paraphrasing "coffin Nails" to "Alabaster nails"


Larry

[Guest_Nina_*]

Hi Lindi

This is such a sad poem of death from smoking.  The thing that strikes me is the contrast between white plaster and the yellow discolouring that comes with nicotine.

This is a stark warning for anyone who smokes.

Nina

[Aphrodite]

Hi Linda,

This is an interesting, well-constructed and important poem.

There are several elements to it - most notably, religion and death from smoking.

My parents weren't religious - so that part does not resonate with me. However, they did both die from smoking-related illnesses - and that certainly does resonate. My Father's illness, in particular, debilitated him over many years so the plaster-perfection is a superb irony, in so many ways.

Thank you for this.

J.

Hey James~

Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt response.
I am sorry that you had to go through the hell of watching two parents pass away from such an awful sickness! I will never get over, as long as I live, watching my beloved Dad wither away. :(

It is great to interact with you and I hope my note finds you well!

Blessings~  
Lindi

[Aphrodite]

Hi Linda!

This is such a sad poem, made sadder by the awful truth
laced within.

I started to crit before I realized what forum I was in (LOL)
but it brings out strong emotions the way it is.  The words
are from the heart and express the grief felt at losing a loved
one to smoking.  

Thanks for posting this,
Cathy

Hello Cathy~

Thanks for stopping by to read and comment so nicely!

There is no positive way to communicate the horror of what lung cancer brings! I am glad that in reading my poem, there is some awareness that comes from it!

Take care and be well~
Lindi

[Aphrodite]

Lindi,

with your delicate touch, a very forceful piece.
Made me think of paraphrasing "coffin Nails" to "Alabaster nails"


Larry

Hi Larry~

Thanks for commenting so gently and caringly.
You are always so compassionate, and I know I have mentioned to you before that your lovely demeanor reminds me of my Dad!

May you have a wonderful Father's Day!

Blessings~
Lindi

[Aphrodite]

Hi Lindi

This is such a sad poem of death from smoking.  The thing that strikes me is the contrast between white plaster and the yellow discolouring that comes with nicotine.

This is a stark warning for anyone who smokes.

Nina

Hello Nina~

Thanks for stopping by to read and commenting!
Your interpretation is very sharp, and there are a few metaphors within my sad expression.:(

I appreciate your kindness.

Blessings~
Lindi

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Linda, this is so sad and beautifully done  :dove:

the Rosary Beads  d r a p e   loosely cross  
spindly fingers, like drops from tears cried dry.

Very powerful, pale images.

Fran

[Aphrodite]

Linda, this is so sad and beautifully done  

the Rosary Beads  d r a p e   loosely cross  
spindly fingers, like drops from tears cried dry.

Very powerful, pale images.

Fran

Hello Fran~

Thanks for stopping by to read and comment!

This is a very hard subject, and losing my father this way was especially horrific!

My words are true!

I am glad it touched you!

Take care~
Lindi

[Siren]

Dear Lindi,

This hit so close to home for one thing. My dad passed away because of smoking... though his passing was sudden and we all thought he was healthy. Turns out, weeks before is heartattack he had seen a doctor in Germany who warned him about how weak his heart was and that he should stop smoking. He never breathed a word to any of us and just like that.... we lost him...

I particularly loved this part

How you love to hold hands, but not your own,  
the Rosary Beads  d r a p e   loosely cross  
spindly fingers, like drops from tears cried dry.  

The last line was incredible.

Beautiful read:

Hugs
Dani

PS: Jina sends her love to Briana...

[Aphrodite]

Dear Lindi,

This hit so close to home for one thing. My dad passed away because of smoking... though his passing was sudden and we all thought he was healthy. Turns out, weeks before is heartattack he had seen a doctor in Germany who warned him about how weak his heart was and that he should stop smoking. He never breathed a word to any of us and just like that.... we lost him...

I particularly loved this part

How you love to hold hands, but not your own,  
the Rosary Beads  d r a p e   loosely cross  
spindly fingers, like drops from tears cried dry.  

The last line was incredible.

Beautiful read:

Hugs
Dani

PS: Jina sends her love to Briana...

Hello Dani~

My goodness it has been far too long! Thank you for your sensitive and heartfelt response. As you and I know, our anguish over losing our special Dads, brought us together. I knew that you would "feel" this one.

Even now, almost five years later, the little girl in me weeps ongoing. There is no true closure, is there? :(

Still, I felt compelled to write this.

Please, say hello to Jina for Briana, and let's catch-up soon!

In finding you well~
Lindi