The Bitter and the Sweet

Published on by J. Kelland Perry

I thought that I was coming home
Heart skipped with childish glee
I longed to to see my pretty mom
We’d catch up with mugs of tea

  Heart skipped with childish glee
Yes, dad would be there too
We’d catch up with mugs of tea
Like we always used to do

Yes, dad would be there too
We would have so much to tell
Like we always used to do
When they were strong and well

We would have so much to tell
Of both the bitter and the sweet
Since they were strong and well
And our family was complete

Of both the bitter and the sweet
But the real world intervened
A stab in the heart under the sheet —
Just another errant dream.

This was my attempt at a Pantoum Poem, a poetic rhyme scheme style from Malaysia.

14 thoughts on “The Bitter and the Sweet”

  1. Jennifer, this is deeply touching. I love what you said in the comments about the poet who called poems “heart songs”; this is so very, very true. Your heart song is both lovely and well done.

    Blessings ~ Wendy ❀

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  2. Hello Jennifer,

    I want to this opportunity to thank you for stopping by my blog a while back and wishing me a quick recovery. You’re very kind.

    The poem style is one I’ve not heard/read about. But whatever it is, I am pleased with the example you made. You’ve captured the essence of family in a tender and sincere way.

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    1. I appreciate you telling me that, Uzoma. 🙂 I love poetry and like to experiment with different kinds just for the fun of it.

      I hope you are recovered and well (?), and will be back to your blogging in no time.

      Best wishes,
      Jennifer x

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  3. I like this and I have thought this often… my mind going back to those people who were always there for me and the casual days of long-ago when so much emphasis was put on connecting with others over cups of tea.
    (Facebook simply doesn’t do it for me).

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    1. No, Facebook doesn’t come close. Times have changed, and not necessarily for the better on how people connect.

      For fifteen years as an adult, when I lived a short drive from my parents, we would see each other about twice a week. Once a week I would visit Mom’s store and buy groceries, and once a week they would either visit me for an evening or I would visit them with kids in tow. Countless cups of tea with a little nighttime lunch, or tea after a cooked meal. I can’t put into words how much I miss those times, and find it difficult to realize those days are done.

      Thanks, Elizabeth.

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  6. I am not familiar with the style so I can’t comment on that but… I see your heart in this, I feel how you miss your mom and dad and you pay tribute to them here, giving their lives meaning and value.
    Hugs!
    Diana xo

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