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My Pathetic Little Sister
by Don Matley
Why does it take death to open our hearts?
Why do sons only confess their love on parental deathbeds?
What is this blatant reticence to declare the obvious?
Why should a son not hug his father?
Why should a man and a woman not sleep together and not sleep together?
Take my sister, you might as well
Death took her, mistook her before her time.
I did all the right things as brother
I loved, played with and nurtured her
Took many adventurous trips to fairs and shows
Saved her life once or twice
Though no one knows
And yes I know her pathetic songs
And was flattered when asked to right the few wrongs
Yet only now when she is gone
Do I fully open the webs she spun
Amazed at her prolific seven year run
What beauty in words did she bare for us all!
What warmth and creative invention!
What honesty, with not an ounce of pretension!
Did I reap all of her harvest?
Did I watch her sew every kernel?
Of course not ; but I did watch her grow and grow
And during her life I told her I loved her so many times
That only sorrow and not regret fills these lines.
09/10/2007 Posted on 09/10/2007
Copyright © 2025 Don Matley
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Kathleen Wilson on 09/10/07 at 04:47 PM Thank goodness you are here, and asking these questions, finding these answers, spilling over with love and verse. You console, invoke, evoke and demonstrate what such experience can do to open and empower. I recognize this swell of life feeling mixed with memory and enlightenment, and as you say "only sorrow and not regret fills these lines"... which is the result of fullness of expression in love in everyday experience. It is what (all) we can do, and then it is how we can feel. Your words well embody this, personal, intimate and yet universal. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 09/12/07 at 02:14 PM Now I understand fully your comments about one of my poems. I admire the tone of this poem very much - the questioning, the tribute, the love, and the structure. |
| Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 09/13/07 at 01:27 AM What a heart wrenching eulogy for all of us here at Pathetic. The place ain't the same without her. And yes she accomplished much to be proud of for me as a friend and you a big brother in those seven years. |
| Posted by Susan Q Tomas on 09/13/07 at 03:49 AM Wow, this hit me out of nowhere. Thank you. |
| Posted by Jean Mollett on 09/15/07 at 05:38 AM Hi Don,
Yes, thank goodness you are here. You've express with such love, one can feel your pain and hurt of the loss of your little sister in this poem. It's so emotional.
This is a beautiful tribute for you little sister. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs and prayers. |
| Posted by Elizabeth Jill on 09/17/07 at 12:56 PM This is bottomless in the sanctuary of genuine love and depth. I send to you arms of comfort and appreciation for your incredible insight. Hugs to you, and much thanks for this teardrop shining gently in the sun like a diamond. shalom, Jill |
| Posted by Joan Serratelli on 03/12/09 at 01:23 PM I cried when I read this trgic piece. I'm glad you have no regrets- very few of us can say that. Very well expressed. A beautiful tribute to someone you love dearly. I'm very sorry for your loss! |
| Posted by Wendy Sparling on 06/08/11 at 09:39 PM Don, you were so blessed to have had a loving sister like, Maureen. I think of her often and truly miss her as a friend. Your poem is a beautiful tribute to, Maureen, and I congratulate you on a well deserved POTD. Thank you. |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 06/12/11 at 03:48 AM Well, it's apparent that you both came from rich soil, for you are both sweet and wise and full of nutrients of the best sort. I'm so glad to read you. |
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