To Mary, With Need to Understand
A rhymed offering for these troubling times...73 total reviews
Comment from Jesse James Doty
This saddens me deeply as I know the fear of which you speak. The pandemic that raged and only now may be lightening up, has made me cautious and I know for myself, that the fear and caution eases not suddenly but gradually over time. I feel your pain but I also feel your friends' worry and concern. I would try to be understanding of her fear and try not to take what seemed like a rejection of you, personally. She might be that way with everyone and not just you. I read your Author's notes and believe them to be true. I agree that the psychological toll these difficult times is taking on friendships and families is heartbreaking.
The poem is well done and I have no qualms with the subject matter. If I have offended you I am truly sorry. This was not my intention at all!
Have a beautiful Sunday, my friend!
Jesse
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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This saddens me deeply as I know the fear of which you speak. The pandemic that raged and only now may be lightening up, has made me cautious and I know for myself, that the fear and caution eases not suddenly but gradually over time. I feel your pain but I also feel your friends' worry and concern. I would try to be understanding of her fear and try not to take what seemed like a rejection of you, personally. She might be that way with everyone and not just you. I read your Author's notes and believe them to be true. I agree that the psychological toll these difficult times is taking on friendships and families is heartbreaking.
The poem is well done and I have no qualms with the subject matter. If I have offended you I am truly sorry. This was not my intention at all!
Have a beautiful Sunday, my friend!
Jesse
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Good Morning, Jesse!
No offense taken!
I wrote this piece to bring about awareness of the psychological and emotional toll this pandemic is exerting about many individuals. It is an aspect that is only beginning to be discussed and realized.
The landscape of our lives has changed drastically.
I'm not condemning my friend or anyone else who feels as she does; her/their fear is real to them.
But we must never lose our humanity despite the challenges of this chaotic time. And that is my greatest fear...
I do/did find her fear irrational, given everything I share in the poem, yet that doesn't change my feelings of friendship toward her.
As I wrote, I am saddened and deeply concerned for her well-being.
Bringing awareness to this aspect of the pandemic is my sole purpose for sharing this offering.
We are definitely snowbound this morning! No daffodils are blooming today!
Wishing you a beautiful week!
diane
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Hello Diane!
I am glad you took no offense! Where I live I experienced a lot of what I refer to as "defiers." They refused all along to wear a mask and pushed themselves into the elevator with my caregiver and me even though we asked them to take the other, just as convenient elevator instead! We all live in close quarters here at the HUD senior housing building, "Silvercrest" and even before the vaccine became available they were bitter, angry people who cared very little for our requests to wear a mask or ride in the other elevator. People were not getting tested nor honoring our requests. Although I have the good fortune to have had both my vaccinations, my two caregivers have not even had their first ones yet. I guess I wanted to show you how it has affected my life too.
We haven't even had much rain this year so we are experiencing a drought again here in California. It's funny how your weather is extremely different than mine. I like the sound of Daffodils blooming, though.
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend!
Jesse
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Hello Jesse,
I fully understand your frustration.
With all of this snow, it's a good day to clean closets ... maybe! :)
Take Care!
diane
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Thank you for understanding!
I can't even reach my closets. Have fun cleaning yours!
Take care and have a gorgeous day!
Jesse
Comment from nomi338
Listen, you must not let the irrational fear of another defeat you. God knows that you meant no harm, even if your friend never understands. The one somebody who is above fear, disease and or death is God. He understands and promotes friendship and true agape love, love for your fellow beings. I understand your hurt. I applaud your compassion. It, I believe, will all work out someday. In the meantime you must continue to be you despite whomever may not understand you or your intentions. God bless you.
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Listen, you must not let the irrational fear of another defeat you. God knows that you meant no harm, even if your friend never understands. The one somebody who is above fear, disease and or death is God. He understands and promotes friendship and true agape love, love for your fellow beings. I understand your hurt. I applaud your compassion. It, I believe, will all work out someday. In the meantime you must continue to be you despite whomever may not understand you or your intentions. God bless you.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 07-Feb-2021
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Good Morning, Nolan!
I am definitely not defeated. Nor do I live in fear of the pandemic.
As I just replied to Jesse James Doty:
I wrote this piece to bring about awareness of the psychological and emotional toll this pandemic is exerting about many individuals. It is an aspect that is only beginning to be discussed and realized.
The landscape of our lives has changed drastically.
I'm not condemning my friend or anyone else who feels as she does; her/their fear is real to them.
But we must never lose our humanity despite the challenges of this chaotic time. And that is my greatest fear...
I do/did find her fear irrational, given everything I share in the poem, yet that doesn't change my feelings of friendship toward her.
As I wrote, I am saddened and deeply concerned for her well-being.
Bringing awareness to this aspect of the pandemic is my sole purpose for sharing this offering.
Thank you, Nolan!
Wishing you a beautiful week from snowbound Michigan!
diane
Comment from Boogienights
It's so sad what this virus has brought us down to. We still need human connection and the love of friends and family, and the risk has lessened with precautions in place. I'll just be glad when it's over. Thank you for this lovely verse. :)
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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It's so sad what this virus has brought us down to. We still need human connection and the love of friends and family, and the risk has lessened with precautions in place. I'll just be glad when it's over. Thank you for this lovely verse. :)
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Indeed, Sharon, who would have thought a year ago that friends woud be afraid of one another?
So pleased my words resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
This is a sad story about the state of our lives at the moment Diane and everybody is afraid of the virus and of dying of it. When will be be able to build up our relationships with our friends again? I think it is going to be another good twelve months before we can at least be normal. I doubt we will ever give up the wearing of masks, they seem to be part of our wardrobe now. Your poem is well rhymed and poignant and so very sad too, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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This is a sad story about the state of our lives at the moment Diane and everybody is afraid of the virus and of dying of it. When will be be able to build up our relationships with our friends again? I think it is going to be another good twelve months before we can at least be normal. I doubt we will ever give up the wearing of masks, they seem to be part of our wardrobe now. Your poem is well rhymed and poignant and so very sad too, love Dolly x
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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I shared your perspective as well, Dolly!
Thank you for your thoughtful review.
Such a chaotic and unsettling time ...
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Teri7
Diane, This is a truly beautiful and very well written poem you have penned. If you had brought me those beautiful flowers I would have opened the door and invited you in. There is a fear gripping our nation, but if we serve our Lord, God He is bigger than any pandemic. He is not a God of fear. Thank you for sharing this. love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Diane, This is a truly beautiful and very well written poem you have penned. If you had brought me those beautiful flowers I would have opened the door and invited you in. There is a fear gripping our nation, but if we serve our Lord, God He is bigger than any pandemic. He is not a God of fear. Thank you for sharing this. love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Teri!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review!
I share your perspective as well.
I would so love to bring you a bouquet of daffodils!
Here is to daffodils, no fear, and faith... in God and one another...
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Susan Louise Gabriel
This is a really excellent poem about this devastating time we live in - fear is driving people to behave in ways they never would have a year ago. You have captured this so well in your poem. Well worth six stars.
We all need to fight fear or it will overcome us.
Take care
Susan
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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This is a really excellent poem about this devastating time we live in - fear is driving people to behave in ways they never would have a year ago. You have captured this so well in your poem. Well worth six stars.
We all need to fight fear or it will overcome us.
Take care
Susan
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Susan!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
Yes! An entire year of fear - served handily daily.
So pleased my presentation resonated with you!
Thank you!
diane
Comment from Dorothy Farrell
Hello Diane, this is a lovely poem. You told your story so well in good abab rhyme, consistent throughout. This particularly moved me, because only yesterday I said to my husband, "I never thought the day would come when I would keep my daughter at the door, she would not enter, when she delivered the milk from the farm." You talk about fear, and truly it does exist. In a way it helps us abide by the rules. I particularly like -
For now, know that I miss your smile,
And I will try to understand,
How crippling fear that's traveled miles,
Now wields its grip on friendship's hand.
Lovely work Diane - a well deserved six. Warm regards Dorothy x
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Diane, this is a lovely poem. You told your story so well in good abab rhyme, consistent throughout. This particularly moved me, because only yesterday I said to my husband, "I never thought the day would come when I would keep my daughter at the door, she would not enter, when she delivered the milk from the farm." You talk about fear, and truly it does exist. In a way it helps us abide by the rules. I particularly like -
For now, know that I miss your smile,
And I will try to understand,
How crippling fear that's traveled miles,
Now wields its grip on friendship's hand.
Lovely work Diane - a well deserved six. Warm regards Dorothy x
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Dorothy!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review.
It's difficult to imagine we've been living with such for nearly a year now!
Hoping you are safe and well.
I wish we lived closer so that I could bring you a bouquet of daffodils... even if I had to leave them on your doorstep...
Take Care!
diane
Comment from Mastery
You get my day off to a wonderful start, Diane. Thank you.
This crisis has upset so many things in our lives, to tell the truth, I barely remember what "normal" was at one time.
These were my favorite lines, dear friend:
"For now, know that I miss your smile,
And I will try to understand,
How crippling fear that's traveled miles,
Now wields its grip on friendship's hand."
So much has been missed. (: Bob
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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You get my day off to a wonderful start, Diane. Thank you.
This crisis has upset so many things in our lives, to tell the truth, I barely remember what "normal" was at one time.
These were my favorite lines, dear friend:
"For now, know that I miss your smile,
And I will try to understand,
How crippling fear that's traveled miles,
Now wields its grip on friendship's hand."
So much has been missed. (: Bob
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Bob!
I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review. Difficult to imagine we have been living with this specter of fear for nearly a year now!
Such an unsettling time...
Stay safe and well!
Thank you again!
diane
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I can understand your pain with this, it is happening everywhere. I've had my first vaccination, and have to wait 12 weeks for the second. But I'll still take precautions. This virus has changed the way we live and think, which is so sad in many ways. When we will ever get back to some sense of normality, I have no idea. This will be with us for years, not months as it is mutating all the time. Your poem was so sad, Diane, but I hope the daffodils were found and picked up later. As you say, fear is our biggest opponent and hard to beat. I enjoyed reading your lovely poem, and all your author's notes. Stay safe. Warm hugs. Sandra xx
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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I can understand your pain with this, it is happening everywhere. I've had my first vaccination, and have to wait 12 weeks for the second. But I'll still take precautions. This virus has changed the way we live and think, which is so sad in many ways. When we will ever get back to some sense of normality, I have no idea. This will be with us for years, not months as it is mutating all the time. Your poem was so sad, Diane, but I hope the daffodils were found and picked up later. As you say, fear is our biggest opponent and hard to beat. I enjoyed reading your lovely poem, and all your author's notes. Stay safe. Warm hugs. Sandra xx
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Sandra!
Yes, my daughter's British inlaws have also received their first vaccination, but will have to wait the same 12 weeks for the second before they can even entertain the thought of coming to Michigan to meet their first grandson who will be nearly a year old by the time they meet one another. Normalcy? I think not!
Next time = tulips. But I'll phone first! :)
Thank you!
Be well!
diane
Comment from Bill Schott
This poem, To Mary, Needing to Understand, captures not only this shattering incident, but the psychological impact that the virus and the measures taken to prevent its spread have had.
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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This poem, To Mary, Needing to Understand, captures not only this shattering incident, but the psychological impact that the virus and the measures taken to prevent its spread have had.
Comment Written 07-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2021
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Hello Bill,
Such unsettling times.
Be well!
Thank you!
diane