Poems from
Other Years:
2004
2004 Poems
-
Bonnie
Bonnie Print this poem only
Bonnie traveled this life
soulfully and boldly
never flinching
never inching
always full throttle.
Common and standard
not the vocabulary
of this wild child
who lead with her heart
who said what she thought.
She was a caravan of dreams
spoken in laughter and screams
a blazing galloping train
entering the room with a bang.
And beyond our understanding
she lived life with abandon.
The logo of her fashion
was a heart full of passion.
Never met a stranger.
Don’t dare try to change her.
The phone line was her lasso
from Memphis to El Paso
every customer a friend
kick the competition’s rear end.
Don’t get on her train
unprepared for a strain.
Not much for quiet
her wit was a riot
an adrenaline pumper
of a daredevil jumper .
Bonnie was a mystery to us
one minute she’d cuss
the next she would cry
her compassion and try
to help those around
whose up had come down.
Maybe she didn’t rhyme
with all of us all the time
standing out from the crowd
not quite escaping her cloud.
Neither shy nor soft spoken-
maybe like us a bit broken
not all wires perfect inside
not always free of our pride.
But like us she had a pure soul
sparkling, beautiful, and whole
and life could not destroy
that little girl full of joy.
Our hearts bowed with sadness
await a piece of her gladness.
We pause for goodbyes
tears of grief in our eyes
but know she is shouting
Stop all that pouting,
Celebrate life, soak it in
don’t stay where you’ve been
gamble on bliss
give a hug get a kiss
and remember I’m glad
to be here with my dad.
Bonnie, you taught us.
Your big spirit caught us
with all of its power.
Your love was a flower
planted in hope’s soil.
Anoint us with the oil
of forgiveness and love
and save us a spot up above.
Give flight to our shame
vanish the blame
that has dogged us too long
make right all the wrongs.
So we part for a while
with a tear and a smile
and a grip full of care
till we meet you up there.
Author's Note: My dear cousin Bonnie Polo died January 30, 2004. We were close. This poem is dedicated to her.
Written January 31, 2004