Musings on the Death of My Perfect Partner

Fresh from Birch Creek

John A Bayerl

John A Bayerl
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Birthday
May 30
Bio
My wife of 47+ years died at home with me at her side, on November 12, 2010. She and I, together with our children and many friends and relatives, fought her cancer for four years, seven months and a week. This blog acknowledges her courage and exemplary life. She taught us how to live, and she taught us how to die. The blog also honors the love she shared with everyone who knew her.I am a retired school counselor and college professor.

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FEBRUARY 23, 2012 1:16PM

THE TEST

Rate: 11 Flag

Standing there in the shower

this morning

for just a moment

I saw her reflection

in my shaving mirror—

it was like old times. 

 

She hands me a clean white washcloth

with a bar of Dove soap,

wearing her silly shower cap

and that smile.

 

Please wash my back

she says—

just my back.

 

John A. Bayerl, February 23, 2012

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poetry memories love loss

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Cute and steamy. What a great memory!
zanelle
February 23, 2012 01:19 PM
Love the visual you created here in so few well chosen words. I so relate to this.
Cathy GF
February 23, 2012 01:26 PM
This is so "clean" -no pun intended- It runs smooth, and leaves a soft feeling.
R
Out on a limb
February 23, 2012 01:52 PM
Amazing what words can do, Zanelle. Good to hear from you.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 05:56 PM
Glad you enjoyed this, Cathy. It's a pretty universal experience, I think. Thanks for stopping by.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 05:57 PM
What a nice comment, out on a limb. Clean and smooth; that's what I was thinking and feeling.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 05:59 PM
Did you ever 'pass' and just stick with the back? : )
What a great memory to share...thanks!
Just Thinking...
February 23, 2012 06:10 PM
Ha! just like the infamous "just a backrub" backrub..
cute, loving and bittersweet John.
rita shibr
February 23, 2012 06:14 PM
Love the silly shower cap.
Beautiful, John.
Kim Gamble
February 23, 2012 06:17 PM
Sounds like you've been there Just Thinking.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 10:19 PM
Rita, I love that, "just a back rub," brings back a bunch of good memories.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 10:21 PM
Have you ever seen a shower cap that isn't silly, Kim? Thanks for the nice compliment.
John A Bayerl
February 23, 2012 10:22 PM
This is a fine piece John....
Gary Justis
February 23, 2012 11:53 PM
The trigger for the memory is often unexpected but if the memory triggers a smile, it's worth is undeniable.
Little Kate
February 23, 2012 11:55 PM
You're right, Kate, smiles are always undeniable.
John A Bayerl
February 24, 2012 08:23 AM
I love the reflection in the mirror. So close and personal. Great poem. R
Rita Bourland
February 24, 2012 09:10 AM
Thank you Rita, one who also understands.
John A Bayerl
February 24, 2012 09:34 AM
Hopefully you will have more flashes to inspire your poetry!
BuffyW
February 28, 2012 08:27 PM
Thanks, Buffy, I love those yummy flashes.
John A Bayerl
February 28, 2012 10:06 PM
Thanks, Buffy, I love those yummy flashes.
John A Bayerl
February 28, 2012 10:07 PM