Now the Barbaras have begun to die,
trailing their older sisters to the grave,
the Helens, Margies, Nans—who said goodbye
just days ago, it seems, taking their leave
a step or two behind the hooded girls
who bloomed and withered with the century—
the Dorotheas, Eleanors and Pearls
now swaying on the edge of memory.
Soon, soon, the scythe will sweep for Jeanne
and Angela, Patricia and Diane—
pause, and return for Karen and Christine
while Susan spends a sleepless night again.
Ah, Debra, how can you be growing old?
Jennifer, Michelle, your hands are cold
A great tribute and an obituary written about a couple of women of character and style. who bloomed and withered with the century— now swaying on the edge of memory.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
An insightful piece on obituaries - dust to dust an inevitable final date with fate. A well articulated poem nicely penned in Shakespearean sonnet rhyme scheme with conviction. A lovely piece indeed. Thanks for sharing Marilyn. Please read my poem COLOSSAL MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE.