I’d never met a ghost
or a celebrity
so was surprised on the treadmill
when Oscar Wilde whispered
directly in my ear,
the heart was meant to be broken.
Home again,
caretaker roles reversed
your heart beats strong
mine now slow,
blown out from stress
like a Japanese octopus bag.
Takotsubo,
Broken Heart Syndrome.
Not the stuff of playwrights.
I learned again that day
the importance of being earnest.
Talking softly with, not at,
we climbed five stairs
inch by inch,
this time
your steps
matched to mine.
lillian the home poet 
life is made up of business, pleasure and a little humor in between –
ideally, if we’ve done it right there should be lots of humor, little business and a proportional amount of pleasure –
we all must prepare for the day – if it is to arrive – where we become each others support – be it mental and/or physical…
Your lovely poem, Lillian weaves all this together in beautiful rhythm.
am:)
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Thanks so much AnnMarie. Takotsubo is a real heart problem that 98% of the time affects post-menopausal women – after a stressful situation. Stress hormones affect the heart causing the left side (usually) to blow out, literally in the shape of a Japanese octopus bag (takotsubo). Presents like a heart attack. Usually no permanent damage and heart returns to normal in about 3 to 3 months. When affected, it decreases the pumping efficiency markedly hence the difficulty walking and fatigue. The lesson for all women to learn is that stress does affect the heart. For me, writing really helps 🙂
And yes… I think life partners who are good partners learn the ebbs and flows and one picks up when they sense the other needs it and vice versa. You’ve also said it very well here.
I say every day, usually outloud, I’m thankful for every day.
Okay — now – let’s get back to some humor and lighter poetry! 🙂
We fly back to Boston tomorrow night and I’ll be back to my morning coffee routine on Saturday 🙂
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Learning am I, Lillian. I’d never heard of this. And know I know – though I’m quite aware what stress can do – aren’t we all 🙂
Good partners make great friends too –
Yes, I agree lighter is quite nice too (especially in the morning).
Hope you get a meal on the plane or at least a tiny bag of peanuts 🙂
Happy Friday
am:)
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