flowers

[amuse]

i was thinking about my great-grandmother this morning. when i was a pre-teen she read a poem to me, with a refrain and ending something along the lines of "i'd rather have one flower now than a cartload when i'm dead." i've googled with different endings and synonyms - bouquet/i've gone/i've passed, etc.

does anyone know how it goes/who wrote it?

[mono]

I have read that poem before - very beautiful. Enjoy:

One Flower

I'd rather have one hug
while I can feel it given to me by you,
Than all of your caresses on my hand,
when my life is through.

I'd rather have one "I love you"
while I can still talk and hear,
Than all of your "I wish I had's,"
when I'm no longer near.

I'd rather have one visit
while I can sit and see your face,
Than all of your "I wish you were here's,
and I were in your place."

I'd rather have your laughter
and voice ringing in my ears,
Than all the sadness 'round my casket
being wetted by your tears.

I'd rather have one flower,
placed in my hand while I am in my bed
Than to have a roomful, that I can't see,
around my casket when I'm dead.

Norma Marek

[subterranean]

Wow Mono is indeed a superman when it comes to revealing great poems :nod:. And Ash, I think you're very lucky to have such great grandma :).

I think the author was really missing someone when she wrote it.

[amuse]

yes, she was very special, sub. :) :)
and mono, WOW. THANK YOU. what a treasure you are.

[mono]

Aww, gee, thanks. I try, I suppose (while hiding myself blushing).
If anyone has the interest of reading more of Norma Marek's poetry, I will paste a good website I discovered: http://www.judysrealm.com/poets/n_m/.

[amuse]

ooh, a wonderful addition to my "favorites" folder!

[Avalive]

One Flower..hum, a very nice and touching poem