Haunting Memories

All I can do is dream of you
and think about your rhubarb pie.
The lessons taught and battles fought
to help us grow now draw a sigh
and cherished memories.

When we drifted, the belt was swift,
but we never doubted that you cared.
When things got tough, you showed your stuff.
I'll always treasure the times we shared
in precious memories.

When brood was gone, you faced new dawn.
Square dance troupe kept you on the go:
Dad's western shirts, your ruffled skirts--
allemande left and do-si-do
in distant memories.

After he passed, your faith surpassed
the darkness trying to invade
your spirit world, as life unfurled
beyond the ever-growing shade
in loving memories.

Rough gasps for breath led to your death,
as stroke took you away from us,
while I could only watch, alone
amid the nurses' frantic fuss
in haunting memories.

   

Author's notes:

1. 25 lines

2. Started with basic Triquatrain form ( http://www.shadowpoetry.com/resources/wip/triquatrain.html ) and added an extra refrain line for special effect, in the manner of Edgar Allan Poe's classic The Raven: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/48860