‘The Highs and Lows of Leticia Dombrowski’

Seven lines from the seventh page of current work in progress: ‘The Highs and Lows of Leticia Dombrowski’

‘Then the thoughts take on a different form. Had he – his teenaged self – really been so sharp with his loving, warm, over-needy Mama; disenchanted with the sometimes cloying atmosphere of the home he really loved? He shrugs, briefly recalling the testosterone-absorbed years. His Papa came into focus, bearded, prematurely white-haired, sharp-featured (‘That nose could pierce a can!’ from his Mama), and serious. How he had insisted on absolute commitment to learning Hebrew, the Talmud and Russian! That he, Daniel, held a very different opinion on organized religion soon came to light…’

© Joy Lennick 2018

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The aftermath of 9/11

No ‘Phoenix from the ashes,’

they were birds of steel,

filled with hateful intentions:

two objects aimed to kill.

 

Long after eulogies were said:

guilt, anguish, recriminations soundly put to bed…

cherished memories floated on battered minds

that lifted the spirits and a kind

 

of healing process then began,

Dry-eyed, the well was spent –

a funny limerick was found…

a loving note he meant to send.

 

A breeze-borne waft of jasmine –

and she is there –

a burnished copper leaf

reminds you of her hair

 

A favourite walk, café, a tune…

memories held so dear.

You pray that time will not prune

too much and leave the futile fear

that one day the memory of their

earthly presence will all but disappear.

 

But fear not –

for while you still live,

in your heart loved ones live on too

and will always: forever, be a part of you.

 

© Joy Lennick 2018

Picture copyright: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo