11 Comments
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Karissa Chmil's avatar

This poem has such a vivid atmosphere - it reminds me of a patchwork quilt, expertly sewn together, where each scrap of fabric has years of stories behind it.

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Kate Gaston's avatar

Thank you, Karissa, that’s such a lovely image!

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Kylie D Steel's avatar

This poem struck a beautifully raw chord. I too recently kissed & tucked in my nan as she headed to heaven. I was also diagnosed with cancer a year ago and, as a mother with three young boys, I'm really learning to absolutely treasure all those delightful glimmers of the divine that exist in our every day moments. Thanks for capturing the beauty found in those edge of eternity moments.

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Kate Gaston's avatar

“glimmers of the divine”--that’s beautiful! Seems like you might have some of your own poetry to share! Thank you for reading, and for the encouragement.

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Guadalupe Muñoz's avatar

It’s beautiful that with a few lines, describing meaningful moments, your dear grandma’s soul comes to life in her essence. This way of contemplating our loved ones helps us mourn when they’ve passed on. I’m also trying to make such contemplations a practice when I’m having a difficult time with an important person in my life, so I can reconnect to their essential heart, to what’s precious and beautiful in them, regardless of conflicts and hard times. Thanks for sharing your poetic painting.

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Kate Gaston's avatar

Thank you--and you are right about the contemplation helping in the mourning. I'm so thankful you enjoyed it, and I appreciate your comment!

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Caelie Jones's avatar

That is simply gorgeous. I love all of the different stories you told through this poem, and free verse is something I struggle to write, but really appreciate done well, and I think you did it very well. Thank you for sharing.

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Kate Gaston's avatar

Thank you for the compliment, and thank you for reading and commenting! It is encouraging to know my poem struck a chord!

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j j b r i n s k i's avatar

I really love how much this brought me to my own grandma’s house and warm memory.

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Kate Gaston's avatar

I love that you connected with it--thanks for letting me know!

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Sierra Westerholm's avatar

Oh man, this is so touching... it almost made me cry. :'(

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