It’s always too soon
threescore years and more
elapsed some while before
still – it was early, my day begun
you gone, heaven’s gate open all hours
bed side, the truncated cactus* is pale
blooms beginning- you could have waited
one more week to see
*Schlumbergera truncata – Thanksgiving/Holiday/Crab cactus – name derives from it’s squared off appearance. Latin – as in a limbless trunk – – just how I feel now that Martin has gone.
Joining with Kim’s quadrille ‘Early because it is such a timely personal prompt and because Martin loved this early flowering cactus
PoetryPix 
I’m so very sorry, Laura. All best wishes to you, and a big hug. No need to respond.
The hug is mutual Tish x
Good observation: “heaven’s gate open all hours” And well put. Best wishes. I am sorry for your loss.
I liked the idea that heaven never closes – Heaven’s Gate was also a favourite film
The truncated cactus is a good metaphor for a loved one gone too soon. This is a poignant write. I am sorry for your lost.
The blooms are so beautifully sad this year – more so still as metaphor – thank you
Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. I can imagine feeling like a limbless trunk when the one you hold dearest is taken too early. The early flowering cactus is a wonderful tribute, as is your poignant poem.
Your words show me just how apt the metaphor – armless when there is no one to hold or hug – thank you Kim
I’m so very sorry for your loss, the limbless plant is such an apt metaphor… may still it bloom you back
Very nice sentiment Björn
How poignant, and so artfully done. Condolences Laura.
Am glad you appreciated the poem for itself too Mary
This one has rocked me dear Laura….I have no words just my heart to you and wishing you peace.
We gardeners say it best with flowers perhaps Donna – thank you for your heartfelt words
Your opening lines have an ee cummings feel about them; adds to the melancholy feel of the whole post. Truncated and square are apt images here. Keep writing; keep shooting. Healing art & your talents are gifts that you share with me 🙂
appreciate the cummings association – a poet who made best use of the ordinariness of language and life
“when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief”
Felt great companionship in your last words – thank you Jilly x
These are so moving, I don’t know how you are getting them out. “heaven’s gate open all hours” is just so powerful.
I am normally such a private person but have invariably sought comfort in words. Besdies, the virtual world of our ‘poetosphere’ is always so supportive – your words are no exception and your poetry is the kind I wish I’d written
This is a lovely expression of grief, if that is at all possible. I love that you’ve turned to poetry to deal with this loss. When my sister died over 5 years ago, I did the same, and it helped some. Praying you find comfort and peace in knowing Heaven’s gates will not close before you see Martin again.
Your understanding runs deep and I really appreciated your words Linda- seeing loved ones again is what we long for most as you must feel with your sister
So very sorry about your loss Laura. I lost 2 family members in the last year and I pray also that heaven’s gate opens all hours. May writing and reading help you in your next journey.
thank you for your words Grace – I like the idea of the next journey though hesitate on the threshold of where to
a lovely poem with the beloved’s fave things in it, make sit an extra special one to recite when feeling low, I am sorry for your loss. I understand that this grief never goes away
appreciate your kind comment Gina – the cactus blossoms will be especially poignant from here on in