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Deadline: Thursday, February 22nd

These words were written by Karen Wendy Gilbert who had been a client of Writer’s Relief for ten years. She passed away on September 30, 2008 in Beth Israel Hospice. We’d like to thank her for sharing her writing and some of her time with us. Our own words don’t seem adequate, and so we are choosing to share HER words with you (with her permission). Karen was a courageous and talented woman.

Karen: We send you love, love, love, and more love.

With appreciation of your gift,
                        Ronnie and the staff of Writer’s Relief
____

On a clear, cold, God-given morning,
the sky was the original shade of blue
before doubt or cloud or second-thoughts
were invented.
____

Words like
“Incandescent,” “entropy,” and “implicate,” thrill me.
____

Amidst the material left as the waves recede are some man-made objects.
An occasional condom, the plastic casing of a tampon, the postage stamp-sized
Ziploc baggie that once held crack. Why anyone would need the rush and crash
Of crack here beside the rush and crash of the tides I can’t imagine,
Although, one is as likely to lead a life of soul-sucking desperation here as anywhere.
I, who know my days are numbered, am at peace here,
As nowhere else. The endless repetition of the waves,
Of the tides, of the flotsam and jetsam lend a soothing sameness to my days.
I repent nothing,
and hurl myself onward,
as fast as my lead shoes allow me, into the yawning abyss
(in my new sunglasses I look just like Grace Kelly).
____

With red-rimmed eyes and dark-brown skin,
His pores smelling like sweet wine,
The rain falling on his head and face,
He asked me for a quarter.
 
While I fished in my pocket,
He said, “God, what I really need is a hug.”
I looked up—startled,
And he, afraid he’d lose his quarter
Said—to me, to the rain, to the red traffic light
That kept us both at that corner,
“Now I’ve scared you.”

But he hadn’t.
And in my pocket I found two quarters and a dime,
And gave it all to him.
As well as the hug.

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58 Comments

  1. Jim Hutchins

    Karen,
    Thanks so much for those incandescent words. They thrill me too.

    Reply
  2. Linda

    Thank you for this moment of grace. Peace to you, Karen.

    Reply
  3. Victoria Jordan

    Karen,
    My thoughts are with you and are hoping to find you again at that great shore throwing yourself ever forward with the passion that has so clearly defined your life and your writing. Thank you for living such a life.
    Victoria Jordan

    Reply
  4. Laura Davies Foley

    Dear Karen,
    I am very happy to read your words, and travel with you to the waves, the beach, the hug of a stranger, the exchange of love.

    Please accept my hug.

    Know that your words will be remembered. They reach into the heart of all.

    Thank you for them.

    Many blessings.

    love,
    Laura (Foley)

    Reply
  5. Writer's Relief Staff

    Karen,
    I wish you peace and light in all your moments. Thanks for sharing your wonderful words and spirit with the rest of the world.
    -Kriste (from Writer’s Relief)

    Reply
  6. Anne

    Your words capture reality in such a powerful way. May your journey be blessed, and filled with loving support.

    Reply
  7. Tory Hartmann

    Time is a river and we’re each in our bobbing boat. Karen, you may reach the shore before us, but we’ll all arrive there soon after. We’ll have a meeting of writers and thinkers. Surely the new shore will need us! Safe journey.
    Tory Hartmann

    Reply
  8. Reba (Writer's Relief)

    Karen,

    Thank you for the gift of your beautiful words.
    Peace and Love,

    Reply
  9. Shawn Corby

    A hug is an underrated art form. I have given and received many special ones in my days. To read about someone’s understanding of the hug as an act that can never discriminate is refreshing. And to know that this someone is fighting bravely and truly embracing her life is exhilarating. I am inspired and feel compelled to send a virtual hug to a woman I have only met via her written word. Thanks for sharing your life with us, Karen.

    Shawn Corby
    Writer’s Relief staff

    Reply
  10. Celia Stuart-Powles

    waning moon
    the floatsam and jetsom
    sparkle still

    Karen,
    Thank you for your gift of words, your shining spirit.
    Bright blessings,
    celia

    Reply
  11. Willam Petrick

    Karen–

    Words thrill as does a true blue sky, the rolling surf and the hug of a stranger. You inspire me with what truly matters, what is precious.

    Bill

    Reply
  12. Joi

    Karen,

    It has been an absolute pleasure working with you during my time here at Writer’s Relief. You’re an amazing writer and person, and it’s lovely to say that I’ve known such a strong, inspiring woman.

    Thank you for being everything you are.

    With love,

    Joi
    Writer’s Relief Staff

    Reply
  13. Mickey Flagg

    Hi Karen,

    Just remember… The shores that await you have no garbage strewn amidst the beauty… Only souls with smiles waiting to give you hugs. And a souls journey never ends.

    I’ll keep you in my prayers,
    Mickey Flagg

    Reply
  14. Lisa

    Karen,

    "And in my pocket I found two quarters and a dime,
    And gave it all to him.
    As well as the hug."

    This shows the spirit of a woman who is generous with her random acts of kindness and with her art. My thoughts are with you.

    Lisa from Writer’s Relief

    Reply
  15. Jill

    Your writing is beautiful, as I am sure you are. I, like so many others, will remember them–and you are immortal. Thank you for your courage and serenity.
    Jill

    Reply
  16. Maria Kaplun

    Dearest Karen,
    thank you for your presence and the words you live and leave behind. I only wish to do the same and to see you soon — there, in the original shade of blue.

    Reply
  17. Nancy

    Karen:
    Your poetry made me think about the many times I refused to give love when it was needed by someone — friends and strangers.

    I have never met you, but I will forever think of you whenever I watch a wave separate on the shore, dissolving into incandescent foam. Your spirit will be there.

    Thank you.

    Nancy

    Reply
  18. Lisa Leibow

    Thank you so much for sharing Karen’s work with us. I am deeply moved by her immortal words.

    All my best,
    Lisa Leibow

    Reply
  19. George Schminky

    Karen,
    What a gentle, gracious spirit you are. As you prepare for the best adventure, your compassion is there, sparkling, in your beautiful words.

    George Schminky

    Reply
  20. carole merritt

    I lift my glass in a toast to your vision, your courage, your spirit. Bravo!
    Carole Merritt

    Reply
  21. Elizabeth Appell

    Dear Karen,
    The mystery of what happens after has been a theme of much of my work. From one of my young characters: “Mama says that when we die, we hang our bodies up in the closet like an old dress and our spirit go shoppin’ for a new one." This writer isn’t sure of anything, but if she’s even close, you have a humdinger of a spree in front of you.

    Elizabeth

    Reply
  22. George Malko

    Dear Karen,
    Words usually fail us. And yet, as with music, as with all of art, they are the only thing which can come so close to setting us free. They are born in our hearts, rise on the wind, and never completely disappear.
    You are not alone,
    George

    Reply
  23. Mary Diane

    Karen,
    Words can never thank you enough for a life- your life- lived in a cloak of beauty and kindness and so much courage. Beneath that cloak– love beyond measure, treasures greater than the tides and wind, and a soul brave enough to share her humanity with the rest of us. I pray you peace on your continued journey and light to brighten your way.
    Blessed Be You,
    Rev. Mary Diane Hausman

    Reply
  24. Writer's Relief Staff

    In a word, LOVELY.

    Posted on behalf of C. Muscatel.

    Reply
  25. Sam Gifford

    Dear Karen:
    Your words truly express an inner beauty that I for one will carry with me in my writing and my heart.
    Love,
    Sam

    Reply
  26. Gary McLouth

    Dear Karen

    Your words are beautiful, as the sea, as you surely are.
    I hope and pray that things go well for you. Your work has certainly helped things go well for others. And, a long hug.

    Gary

    Reply
  27. Anni Gibson

    Dear Karen:

    Your words are moving and will last forever. Sending a vitual {{{hug}}} and blessings,

    Anni

    Reply
  28. Ginny Fry

    Thank you for your inner beauty. Thank you for showing us how to live, with kindness and generosity for perfect strangers; for are we all not perfect strangers in this world? You have indeed done unto others what you would like to have done unto you, a perfect example.

    How great it is of you to march on before us all and show us that it’s perfectly safe to die.

    With love, hugs, and gratitude,

    Your new cyberspace friend, Ginny Fry

    Reply
  29. Karen Hildebrand

    These examples are beautiful. I don’t know your work, but I will look for more of it. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

    Reply
  30. Anna Dodge

    Karen,

    Your light will continue to shine and your incandescence will merge with the universe and bring joy to everyone who reads your words.

    May peace be with you as you start the greatest journey of all.

    Reply
  31. kathleen t connell

    I just returned from two weeks at the beach and I know there is no greater magic. You capture so wonderfully the mundane and magnetic allure of the ocean. I wish Gods love and grace.
    Kathy

    Reply
  32. Wendy Pokorny

    Karen,

    Such power in your words! They bring tears to my eyes, send shivers down my spine, and yet afford consolation, a verbal embrace.

    With love and heartfelt thanks,

    Wendy
    Writer’s Relief Staff

    Reply
  33. kathleen McCormick

    Dear Karen/Grace Kelly,
    Thank you for your powerful words and images. They remind us that we can be strong, courageous, and generous, even if we are not as gifted with language as you are. I hope you are wearing those sunglasses! And I wish you peace and infinite hugs.

    Kathy

    Reply
  34. Ed Brooks

    Dear Karen: Thank you for your beautiful words! … Here is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore which has "spoken to my condition" on many occasions. Perhaps it will resonate with you as well.

    On that birthday morning,
    With deference
    I lifted my eyes to the sunrise.
    I saw the dawn
    Consecrate
    The white forehead of the mountain ranges.
    I beheld
    The great distance
    In creation’s heart
    On the throne of the lord of mountains.
    From ages, majestic,
    He has preserved the unknown
    In the trackless forest;
    The sky-cleaving, far-away,
    Encircled
    In sunrise and sunset.
    On this birthday,
    The great distance grows in my heart.
    The starry path is nebular,
    Mysterious;
    And my own remoteness
    Impenetrable.
    The pilgrim moves, his path unseen,
    The consequence unknown.
    Today
    I hear that traveler’s footsteps
    From my lonely seashore.

    Prayers and good thoughts from Ed Brooks

    Reply
  35. carla

    Dear Karen,

    What a pleasure to read your poetry. You seem at peace by the ocean and that is a relief. Your words are here. You are here. Always.

    Thank you for that.

    Blessings,

    Reply
  36. Meg Rosenfield

    Karen,

    Your words and your life are inspiring to me. I wish you peace and comfort in the months ahead. Life takes so many turns…we have to quietly, graciously expect and accept the unexpected. You’ve touched so many of us. That’s immortality.

    Love AND hugs,

    Meg

    Reply
  37. Dellana Diovisalvo

    Many thanks for your beautiful, absolutely inspiring words!

    Peace and bear hugs,
    Dellana

    Reply
  38. destiny kinal

    it’s those moments on the street when someone (who knows who, eh?) puts their face in your path and asks.
    "You have to ASK," I tell those who I don’t give to, or interact with.

    My brother, who just died of cancer three months ago, sends me messages thro the ether, thro psychics, thro my own explorations. Recently he said, "Love. Not just family and friends, but outside your circle, expand your circle. Give it; love." [As a former editor, he would hate these presumptive quotation marks. That isn’t EXACTLY what he said.]
    And I am. Loving. Strangers. The chance encounter.

    These random encounters often feel like the measure of me.
    Thank you for bringing it into form.

    Love (to a stranger?)

    Destiny

    Reply
  39. barbara eknoian

    Dear Karen,

    You are my kind of person,a compassionate poet and writer.

    I love that you gave that man a hug. God saw it too!

    I pray you have peace for your journey.

    I will look for your work, and I know I will enjoy it tremendously.

    Sincerely,
    Barbara Eknoian

    Reply
  40. Irene O'Garden

    Dear Karen–

    Thanks for the God-given gift of your original blue singing words.
    It’s clear that your wisdom will guide you through this next remarkable transformation. I wish you peace, comfort and joy–
    Warmly,

    Reply
  41. Elaina

    I have tears in my eyes reading the comments above, as well as for the beautiful words.

    Go with every good thought and wish!

    Elaina

    Reply
  42. Shirley

    Hi Karen:

    I’m sending you rainbow ballon bubbles of good wishes. Also a song of healing from my heart.

    The phrase ‘engaging the observer’ from Diane Eshin Rizzetto’s book "Waking Up to What You Do" inspired me to sharpen my vision and slow down my habitual reactions today. I imagined a switch that I turned on and my whole being became a 360 degree observer Eye. I’ll think of you as I travel (my husband and I are driving from Ottawa to Tucson, AZ), especially when I look at the sky and flowers.

    Love

    Shirley

    Reply
  43. Jean Aloe

    Dear Karen,

    I am taking a senior stretch class and we end it by crossing our arms, taking hold of our own shoulders, and giving ourselves a big hug. I hope you do that every day. I send you one of mine. So much love travels to you and with you…namaste.

    Reply
  44. Jean Aloe

    Ah Karen…wanted to add a Haiku I wrote about my dad and now its for you too:

    crossing my path
    a red tailed hawk
    like you a high-flyer

    Reply
  45. Alex Campbell

    Hello Karen,
    I am thinking of you and sending thoughts of love, beauty,
    and strength from the far North, Fairbanks in Alaska.
    Your stunning words have filled me with grace and peace.
    Alex

    Reply
  46. Judith DeBrosse

    Karen, All things of worth last more than a life time. Your poem about the man on the other side of what we take for granted touched me deeply and I will read it to my students to make sure it lasts past my life time.

    Reply
  47. jill

    i am inspired. you are beautiful.

    Reply
  48. WR Staff

    Dear Karen Wendy Gilbert~

    When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly. -Author unknown.

    Love,
    Marilyn Gilbert Komechak

    (as sent to Writer’s Relief)

    Reply
  49. Linda Frysh

    Dear Karen,

    Beautiful words never fail to lift my spirits, as do the sounds of the ocean and the waves. As a fellow writer, I salute your courage and thank you for your poetry which touched me deeply. I, too, send a hug and wish you peace.

    Love,
    Linda

    Reply
  50. Pamela

    Karen,

    Your poetry is beautiful and inspiring and shall be looked upon as your immortal gift to this world. I’m honored to have had the chance to work with you! May you be surrounded by love, light and peace throughout your journey.

    With love and hugs,

    Pamela
    Writer’s Relief Staff

    Reply
  51. Pat Kampmeier

    Dear Karen,
    Your words are beautiful. I am so grateful for those who share their life experience in their writing like you have done. I am 68 and shy enough that I have never shared any of my writing until this last year. People like you, who do so, give such gifts to the rest of us, and have inspired me to share my own self, too.

    May the great Light on the other side greet you with its fullness when it’s time, and Love surround you completely through this time.

    Pat

    Reply
  52. Donnelle McGee

    Karen,

    Thank you for touching me with your lovely words . . .

    Donnelle McGee

    Reply
  53. Candace

    Karen –

    I’m reading your work and all these comments
    Not knowing you but feeling that I’ve been given
    a fine gift. What a pleasure. Somehow I think
    these words of tribute will go with you and bless
    you. Thank you. Go with God.

    candace

    Reply
  54. Gannon Daniels

    Dear Karen,
    All our lives we seek what you have gained, wisdom.
    Peace,
    Gannon

    Reply
  55. Walter B. Levis

    Karen,
    Though we have never met, being connected through this amazing community created by Writer’s Relief moves me to reach out to you. The excerpts of your work are very powerful. Your insight is a gift for us all.

    Reply
  56. sarah safford

    Dear Karen,
    you are so generous with your writing, your images so strong and pungent and I can feel your lead shoes on my feet. Thanks you for all the thrills and chills and warming words that you’ve shared with us over the years. I send you much love and wishes for a peaceful passage.

    Sarah

    Reply
  57. ormond frost

    Dear Karen,
    Knowing you, just through your poetry, makes me happy.Thank you. I send you my love and prayers.
    Ormond

    Ormond Frost

    Reply
  58. Writer's Relief Staff

    Karen, I’m sorry that we never met. In your words, I can hear the rush of the tide and hope for the weary and lost. Yours is a beautiful mind, and you have obviously lived graciously and with joy. Peace to you from an admirer.

    Posted for Janice Lierz

    Reply

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