The Tapestry of My Life

by MissT

In memory’s quiet corridors, where tender echoes dwell,
I see the blue of John’s kind eyes, an ancient, tranquil spell.
Strawberry-blonde, that piercing gaze a warmth time can’t conceal,
Though buried deep within the past, such kindness still I feel.
Through oceans crossed for others’ sake, through love that went unearned,
I stand unbroken, still I give, though hard the lessons learned.
In churches old and steeples high, my spirit wanders free,
For even in the shadowed hours, no bitterness holds me.
Gran, with gentle hands, we baked and shared,
Rock cakes and fresh bread, moments that we cared.
She always smelled of face powder, and Zambuk on her lips,
In frocks and housecoats, her warmth never slips.
She called me “handsome poppet,” made me feel so special,
And always told me, “shut the front gate,” to keep the draft out, gentle and essential.
We listened to The Archers, and watched Crossroads too,
In every tender memory, your kindness always grew.
Julie, with gentle grace you came, your kindness shaped my soul,
In every act of selfless love, you made my heart feel whole.
Though my mother’s road was lined with pain, no hatred do I hold,
For in this woven life of mine, forgiveness gleams as gold.
And though my father’s presence waned, his love remains my light —
A steadfast heart, a working hand, that always did what’s right.
I look to him with reverence, for all the strength he gives,
His legacy, a thread of grace, that through my spirit lives.
And as I weave this tapestry, of joy and grief entwined,
I find within its patterned strands, a peace so gently kind.
For in the lessons time bestows, and in the love I give,
I’ve found my peace, my quiet grace — the art of how I live.