Hi Tony,
An interesting read... but there's so much here! It feels a bit like a
wardrobe full of clothes - and we don't/shouldn't/can't wear all the clothes
at once! In other words I'm wondering just how many colourful, well fitting,
memorable pieces can be made from this?
And the line "We're left now, to ponder her tireless, indefatigable service"
seems more to belong to the family than it does to a stranger...  but I can
connect to the very last line (which is more personal! But a lot less
moralising/preachy...). The last line feels exciting, interesting, and
strong!
Bob







>From: Tony Hillier <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Pennine Poetry Works <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: New sub :  unamed as yet
>Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 08:53:47 -0000
>
>Partner's mother has just died.
>
>I wrote this - family identified with it and appreciated it.
>
>What does it say to strangers?
>
>
>
>suggestions for title?....
>
>
>
>  "Is that tea strong enough for Tony?"
>
>said the Cold-Crumble Queen
>
>having placed fifteen home-grown vegetables on the dinner plate
>
>having been on hands and knees pulling out weeds
>
>
>
>making her own bread and marmalade
>
>sharing it with others
>
>dab hand at scrabble, dabber hand at sketching
>
>weaving and driving and weaving round the country
>
>visiting well and unwell friends and relations
>
>loving Lessingham memories
>
>bravely camping and skinny dipping in the North Sea at 63
>
>
>
>Elizabeth was one of the old school but didn't wear the tie
>
>brought up with strict code of ethics she bought into
>
>she knew where she stood
>
>we knew where she stood
>
>she knew where to stand others.
>
>A place for everything, everything in place
>
>no wanton waste, no skimping either
>
>she was the very model of a warm wartime survivor
>
>she never sat on the sidelines nor took her bat home
>
>she was in there, participating, contributing,
>
>a lift to here and there, a meals on a wheel,
>
>a cup of cha for the patients thar
>
>
>
>of her biggish brood she was rightly proud
>
>in-laws and outlaws she made welcome
>
>she shone a light, she carried a torch.
>
>We're left now, to ponder her tireless, indefatigable service
>
>Left, to take forward, her camera-shy smile.
>
>
>
>Some early thoughts, from Tony for Rick, James, Kate, Clare, Tom, Peter and
>Helen.  22 Nov 2002
>


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