Memory Mantle

I wear this heavy mantle proudly on my back
As I enter a new decade
And reflect upon my past

Each circle is a person who enriched my life some way
friends who are still here some who’ve gone away

Some circles are faint,
some are new, some old
Some are painted softly
Some are painted bold

At the bottom are my parents, Teachers, family, and friends
It was not an easy childhood
Yet it gave me a wealth of strength

But the biggest one of all
Is the man who calls me wife
Five happy decades later
Still the great love of my life

Our children woven with him
The grandkids are there too
How very lucky I have been
To see this dream come true

Birds are often in my art work
Peace is painted as a dove
But it also represents
Devotion, faithfulness and love

Around my head in colors pale
Glow my shiny stars now gone
They still guide me, they’re still with me
They’re the ones I’ll always mourn

If you a looking at this painting You’re a circle painted here Woven into my life’s mantle As I enter a new year.