Observations and Insights on the Nature of Things
This monthly column features brief essays, poems, poetic micro essays and photography by Eve West Bessier, Poet Laureate Emerita of Silver City and Grant County, New Mexico.
Look for a new post every first Friday.
Mothers Day is neatly tucked into the midst of May. As many of us are of the age that our mothers have recently passed, I am dedicating this month’s post to all of our mothers, both living and departed.
Prolong – Fund – Logistics
A poem for my mom, who lived in the Netherlands
How meticulously you sifted
through the tedious logistics
of your own passage
from living towards dying.
Every detail of your memorial
planned in advance, nine months
of forethought and preparation,
as it turned out, creating
a perfectly proffered sendoff.
All during your final year,
you purposefully gave away
your dearest possessions
to those who’d offered love,
assistance, outings, solace.
You made certain
that the most pertinent
photographs from our blended
mutual past were scanned
and sent safely to me via email.
The personal keepsakes
and family mementos
you wanted me to carry forward
were tucked into your suitcases
over your last four annual visits.
How do we measure
the treasured memories
that filter through the passage
of time to fund our legacies?
Do they prolong
the subtle impacts
of our individual lives
long after our departure,
as harbingers of recall,
allowing us to become
unforgettable?
Photo credit: “Elisabeth Suzanna Appels,” Eddie van de Voort
Eve West Bessier is a poet laureate emerita of Silver City and Grant County, New Mexico; and of Davis and Yolo County, California. She served on the steering committee for the Southwest Word Fiesta, and has been a festival presenter. Eve is a retired social scientist, educator, and voice coach. She is a published author, jazz vocalist, photographer and nature enthusiast currently living in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
