This love poem was written for my husband. We met in 1974, forty years ago. It really does seem like last year. Growing older together has been a gift to both of us. We have shared so much and grown so much. Love is the one constant in the equation we call life.
This poem is dedicated to my beloved husband and to all who have loved and been loved.
The link below will give you the option of hearing me read the poem. Click on it if you wish to listen. (It takes a few seconds to begin.)
On Growing Old Together
Will you scatter me over water
or throw me to the winds,
letting me float away?
Will your ashes mingle
with mine one day
when you too are gone?
Ashes to ashes…
Will you take my hand again
and hold me close against the wind?
Will your eyes always smile with mine?
Dust to dust…
Will our hearts travel as one
no matter where that might be?
Will our love be forever?
Ashes to ashes, Soul to Soul.
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What a beautiful complement! Thank you so much. It’s always such a pleasure to find that someone likes this blog and some of the poems. It’s very kind of you to take the time to leave a comment.
With best wishes, Mary.
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Oh – another beautiful poem. I spread my Mom and Dad’s ashes together in the forest where we lived. – by the maple tree we tapped, by the bonfire pit where we watched the stars together, beside the cabin where we lived while the main home was being built, beside the stream which meandered through the woods, where we walked, and talked, and laughed.
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How beautiful and thoughtful a daughter you are. Do you realize you have a poem in your words above?
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Ha – well – no. I have never written poetry (Yours is really one of the first I’ve ever liked). Funny, must be the chemo. grin.
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😊
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Here is a version of your own poem:
.
ashes to ashes ~
together again
in the forest
where we lived
.
by the maple tree
we tapped ~
.
by the bonfire,
watching
the stars ~
.
beside the cabin
where we
lived ~
.
by the stream
meandering
through the woods ~
.
where we walked
and talked
and laughed ~
.
where we lived
in the forest
together again
.
ashes to ashes
.
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Okay – you are a word magician – that it amazing. Mind if I post that – I’ll certainly give you credit. Yes – you are a great teacher. Where were you when I was in Grade 13? A million thank-you’s – that’s quite beautiful!
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It’s all yours. Your words, your sentiments, and your memories. It was fun making a happy moment for you. I’m glad you like it. 😊
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It’s crazy to see what I wrote through someone else’s eyes – oh, my goodness – teach me more!!!!
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I think the best way to learn any form of writing is to read and think about it, observe it, read more and more and then simply try your hand at it. I’m glad to be your teacher in that you and I both know that a good teacher leads…and lets her student jump right in freely. One step at a time. Keep notes, make lists just as you did with this first piece. I have no doubts there are many poems inside you.
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You warm the cockles of my heart, Mary!
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A wonderful poem, even if I read it belatedly 🙂
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It’s never too late to read a poem. 😊 I’m glad you liked it.
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Beautiful poem, Mary. Love how you worked in “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” So happy that you have your adoring husband to grow old with. I am lucky in the way, too. Madly in love with R. ❤
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Thank you so much. We ARE lucky, aren’t we? ❤
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Wow, you have strong openings…where did you learn to, from the get go… like that.
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Hmmm, not sure what you are asking. 😕
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I know poets are not supposed to meander, but they often do….not you. I guess this is a process question. Your openings are so strong, and wonderfully suited for “speech” articulation, I was thinking you must stride around with those beginnings, first stanzas, letting them simmer on the tongue until the sound is just right.
And if that is true, are you poeming from, not to, or see it all as circuitous, where the question proffered in any stanza is answered in part, if not all, in each…the inciting question, in my reading, isn’t “will our love be forever?,” but in the lovingly hard and existential scatter, throw, and float away?
Well, I’ve meandered…and back to basketball, and anyway, don’t give up how the magic works…’cause you sure got it.
Regards,
Doug
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Thanks, Doug, for your explanation and your questions. I do indeed get the first thought or image as a sound or line. It definitely simmers “on the tongue” as you put it so beautifully. Where it goes from there is sometimes a mystery–poems have their way of appearing, disappearing and generally transforming themselves until they feel complete. Meandering is good. Enjoy the BB!!
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Beautiful 🙂 Simply perfect.
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Thanks so much, my lovely friend. 🙂
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One can feel the genuine love here.. Just beautiful !!
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Many thanks, Cheryl. 💕
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Beautiful Valentin’s verse.
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Many thanks.
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This was really beautiful. Thank you.
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I’m honoured that you like it, John.
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Long loves, old loves always make me cry. Beautiful poem.
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Never ashes to dust so ashes to ashes love to love soul to soul . You made me believe. Beautiful and soulfull Mary.
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Thanks Tina.
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This was a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you. Despite of the cynicism and protective shell I have placed around my heart, I am still a romantic — you and Ritchie are a resounding YES! for me.
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Thanks for your beautiful words, Carla and a very Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my dear friend. 💕
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mary, this poem is just beautiful! it reminds those of us who find that kind of love how very lucky we are:) happy valentine’s day!
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Thanks so much, JoAnna. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Brian. 💕
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love it 🙂
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Many thanks, dear friend. 😊
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🙂
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That is beautiful. What a lovely poem for Valentine’s Day. You must have a special man.
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Thank you so much. He is very special. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours. 💕
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Perfect poem for this romantic day!!! 😍
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Thank you, Randy and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your lovely wife. 💕
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Simply lovely and perfect for Valentine’s Day.
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Thank you so much, Suzanne. 💕
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