Awake with a jolt at 3 a.m.
Thunderous roar of the dream in my ear,
A flat wall of black defeats my eye,
On my tongue the poison taste of fear.
Then a soft sigh from a bulwark made flesh,
He still sleeps, yet senses my distress.
A wandering hand blindly smooths my hair,
The other cups a breast,
He spoons my back,
Protects me with his bulk,
Wraps me in his slumber,
Until we share the rhythm of his sleep.
Paula Lyons, MD
3/23/2005
6 Responses
Dear Paula: so sensitive and soulful a memory born 15 years ago, underlines how precious it is to have a “companionship” partner. How much more poignant and meaningful it is, especially in these trying times, for the burgeoning numbers of the alone and lonely.
A Haiku in a pandemic world, inspired by a poet:
The poet, Wordsworth
loved the “bliss of solitude.” *
Alas, none for me!
* Daffodils – Wm. Wordsworth 1802
Uncle Marvin, I love the coronavirus Haiku you sent me! I hope you will send more. I will share them with Dad and my sibs. I also loved this Haiku and need to look up Wordsworth’s Daffodils! I also teared up a little, wishing that Aunt Flo could still be your companionship partner in the physical world. I know she is still very present in your spiritual and cerebral world! What an elegant talented lady. I love remembering her.
My most fervent wish is that my children find the comfort of a soul mate as I have had. Obviously, Paula, in your life my wish has been fulfilled.
As a child, my observations of your and Mom’s relationship was my yardstick and training course for how to love, fight, have fun, weather bad times, and boat with my mate. I am happy with my choice in Tommy, and I think he is happy with me, although I know there are some areas where he’d probably wish me a bit different. Mostly, that means he wishes I wouldn’t yell, swear salty curses, and slam doors when I get mad! This behavior somehow bypassed Glennis, but Margeaux got in full measure. Maybe it’s genetic? Hope so, that would be a great excuse!
Paula
You described one of the things I miss most without Aunt Anita, spooning, falling asleep together or whenever.
Biggie
When I think about Aunt Anita, I remember her great intellect and her dry sense of humor. As a kid, it never occurred to me to think much about the relationships between my aunts and uncles, or even my Mom and Dad. As an adult, I feel touched, gratified, and proud that my parents and my two special uncles (you and Marvin, raconteurs extraordinaire!) have had such loving, warm, and cozy relationships with their mates. I now have an idea how much effort and commitment that takes! Sending you a big “virtual” niece’s hug! Love you.