by Virginia M.
Member since:
August 31, 2006

The Banquet

November 21, 2007 08:07 AM EST (Updated: November 21, 2007 08:08 AM EST)
views: 28 | comments: 21

I have much to be thankful for;

The smiles around the table,

everyone talking,

plates filled to heaping,

children anxious for desert-

and as my eyes travel,

counting, in part,

my blessing before me,

my heart cries

in bittersweet thoughts,

over one clean plate.

The dinner guest

was not rude,

in declining my invite-

He chose a better banquet,

and I must endure here,

until the time,

when I am also called.

 

(Life is an appetizer, death brings the true banquet)

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Comments: 21

Deb J. Nov 21, 2007, 8:21am EST
Sorry, so sad!
This is sad, but you have memories that will last forever.

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Kathryn E. Nov 21, 2007, 8:30am EST
Bittersweet beauty, Virginia, but so true.
Kathryn E. Nov 21, 2007, 8:31am EST
Virginia, your poem is now a Feature in Gather Essentials: Writing, Wednesday.
Chuck M. Nov 21, 2007, 8:32am EST
That is a sad one.
Virginia M. Nov 21, 2007, 8:33am EST
Thank you Deb! I am sorry to come across with sadness, but this year is bittersweet for me- since Dad won't be at the table. Yet, he's at the greatest of banquets, and I don't begrudge that one bit. He worked hard. Now, he deserves the best......I have much to be thankful for, also, besides the legacy he left me :)
Virginia M. Nov 21, 2007, 8:35am EST
Ernie
Kathryn
Chuck

Thank you so much!
Kayhryn- Thank you. I am honored!
Virginia M. Nov 21, 2007, 8:37am EST
Ernie, Thank you for ther cabin picture. It is so perfect!:)
Barbra L. Nov 21, 2007, 8:40am EST
Virginia:

I was very touched by this lovely sentimental writing. Both you and your father are very blessed to have had the wonderful relationship that you had together. You're a wonderful daughter to a wonderful father.

*Congratulations on this beautiful piece having been featured! Wonderful selection, Kathryn.

Love and Respect, dear friend...
Apryl Just Apryl Nov 21, 2007, 9:08am EST
Virginia, This so so touching and sad. Beautiflly written.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Raymond Mardo Nov 21, 2007, 11:26am EST
I don't believe it's sad - not entirely. As much as it's sad, it's happy too. Life is the appetizer. Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Nov 21, 2007, 2:11pm EST
Very touching and very beautiful..
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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Sue * Nov 21, 2007, 2:30pm EST
Oh, how beautiful...and I'm sure the holidays will be hard for you this year. This was wonderful to read, and it is inspiring.
Linda B. Nov 21, 2007, 6:56pm EST
Brings tears to my eyes but joy to my heart because we know the banqet he will be feasting on,,,,,, Can't wait to enjoy that feast myself
Beautifully written ....words escape me...my heart swells with tears..
Elizabeth Madrigal Nov 21, 2007, 8:38pm EST
Virginia, this poem is so touching, it gave me chills... thank you for the reminder.
Bob C. Nov 22, 2007, 10:33am EST
Virginia, This is an excellent poem that is filled with both sadness and joy. I like how you view the fact that your dad has moved onto a bigger feast at the grandest of tables. I think myself also though that all you have to do is look in the mirror at yourself and also look around the table at those other faces of the people he touched and you will see that he is not truly gone but he lives on through all of you and the memories that he has given you!
Edward Nudelman Nov 22, 2007, 10:58am EST
wow, really powerful poem Virginia. Gave me chills!
William M. Nov 23, 2007, 10:52am EST
Excellent.
Elsie Duggan Nov 23, 2007, 9:41pm EST
As you get older, the people at the table get fewer, but the memories of those days gone by still linger in our hearts, this is a lovely poem Virginia. I had a couple of empty plates too, God Bless you, holidays are hard.
Sheila Deeth Nov 24, 2007, 2:34pm EST
Oh wow. Beautiful and sad. Lovely poem.

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