Poems by Ann D. Stevenson

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When I Made My Vow
- Published: June 7, 2024
Becoming A Carer To Spouse

in Sickness Poems

'For better for worse'
I did not know
what worse was going to be,
that I would lose

'For better for worse'
I did not know
what worse was going to be,
that I would lose
my own identity.

He too is lost
in muddled mists
of time and mind.

Oh, that the fog would clear
so he could see
the lover that I used to be
before
I became the carer.
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- Votes 8
- Rating 4.00

The Clocks Have All Stopped
- Published: October 25, 2024
How Life Changes After A Loved One Dies

in Husband Death Poems

(He used to wind them
once a week.)

A dark oak clock

(He used to wind them
once a week.)

A dark oak clock
on the mantlepiece
stands bleak
above an empty grate
once a source
of warmth and light.

There is a slight glow
from the clock
on his desk
made of gilded brass
a farewell gift
from his final post.

The grandfather clock
a valued antique
stands silent in the hall
no further chimes
no pendulum swings
hands don't move any more.

The only sound left
is the faintest tick
from a well-worn watch
with its military band
a familiar fixture on his wrist
I now hold it in my hand.
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- Votes 12
- Rating 3.92
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Thank you, James. As you know, all comments are welcome and mean a great deal. All the best, Ann.

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Remembrance
- Published: November 5, 2024
Remembering Those Who Have Fought And Died

in War Poems

(The book I've been reading rests on my knee,
you sleep.) (Wendy Cope)

I am trying to read, I cannot sleep,

(The book I've been reading rests on my knee,
you sleep.) (Wendy Cope)

I am trying to read, I cannot sleep,
remembering.
I want to hold you close, when you keep
remembering.
You sleep now in the lamp's soft glow.

You woke me earlier shouting 'no',
remembering
that bomb going off, a lethal mine,
remembering
splattered bodies, shattered minds.

Men blown to bits before your eyes,
remembering
that was how your best friend died,
remembering
how you fought so hard for peace.

Some of us will never cease
remembering.
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- Votes 7
- Rating 4.43
I Walk Alone
- Published: February 25, 2025
Learning To Live Without My Love

in Husband Death Poems

A shadow walks beside me
in the rising rays
of the sun
I turn a corner

A shadow walks beside me
in the rising rays
of the sun
I turn a corner
the shadow has gone
I walk on
alone.

Up in the hills
on a well-worn track
I see mists begin to lift
from calm seas
and beloved shores
we had known
before.

I breathe in aromas
of healing herbs
as they waft
and linger on
a reminder of how
his scent remained
long after he had gone.

I feel the warmth
of familiar paths
chirrups of crickets
begin to rise
a butterfly emerges
into the light
spreads its wings
and flies.
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- Rating 3.78

She Tried To Fit In
- Published: September 8, 2024
Moving Into A Nursing Home

in Aging Poems

To find room
for her flannel nighties,
a well-worn woollen dressing gown,
her furry slippers

To find room
for her flannel nighties,
a well-worn woollen dressing gown,
her furry slippers
and a few day clothes too.

A much loved book by Agatha Christie,
only one, although
she owned a whole collection,
and a china duck, small, lifelike,
from another collection.

Three photos,
the son who was lost at sea,
her daughter carried away by cancer
and a small picture of her husband
to put beside her single bed.

She brought memories,
muddled up memories,
memories of old songs
she loved to sing,
but sometimes she didn't want to join in.

Sometimes she didn't want to get up,
to be washed, to be dressed,
to mix with others,
sometimes she wanted to go home,
back where she belonged.
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- Stories 4
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- Favorited 0
- Votes 13
- Rating 4.23
Featured Shared Story

Oh Pat,

I sometimes think if it wasn't for people like you I might just give up writing poetry. I get so low when my poems don't receive any votes. In fact I tried to get one deleted,...

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My Other Half
- Published: February 21, 2024
Missing My Other Half

in Husband Death Poems

Together for over fifty years,
times of laughter and of tears.
I fell in love with all his charms,
could dance forever in his arms.

Together for over fifty years,
times of laughter and of tears.
I fell in love with all his charms,
could dance forever in his arms.

Except he didn't dance.

He preferred to ride a horse
I'd only ride if I was forced.
He loved dogs - I must confess
I thought they made a lot of mess.

We always had a dog.

I love people and talking,
he would rather be walking.
I like to paint and write,
he felt that was alright.

But he would rather read.

He liked to ski,
that was not for me.
I like to shop,
he definitely did not.

We both had fun in the sun.

It was not a perfect match,
but he was quite a catch,
and now that he is here no more
I feel stranded on an empty shore.

Half of me has gone.
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- Stories 7
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- Votes 19
- Rating 4.00
Featured Shared Story

Hi Alan

Yes, we have very similar stories. I too had been married for 58 years. Like you, I have also done a creative writing course since retirement. I very much look forward to...

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It's A Dog's Life
- Published: August 12, 2024
Growing Old - Rather Like My Dog

in Pet Friend Poems

My beloved canine friend
life's not how it used to be
you no longer hear my whistle
and just keep on running free.

My beloved canine friend
life's not how it used to be
you no longer hear my whistle
and just keep on running free.

I wave my arms and signal
but you cannot always see
or is it just that you prefer
to please yourself not me.

Your coat's a little shabby
I think you've lost some hair
but with a little grooming
your looks remain quite fair.

Your sense of smell is good
and so is your sense of taste
you sniff out food anywhere
which has increased your waist.

Your bones are not so supple
you struggle with some steps
but when barking at a stranger
you still show lots of pep

As I look into your eyes
which have grown slightly dim
I see the same young puppy
still nestled deep within

You remind me of somebody
I wonder, who can it be
I have a sneaking feeling
that it might in fact be me.
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- Stories 2
- Shares 8
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- Votes 12
- Rating 4.17
Featured Shared Story

Oh Pat,

You are always so encouraging. Any comments from you mean a great deal, as I have such enormous respect for your poetry. I do hope you are keeping well. It's been such a joy...

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It's That Time Of Year
- Published: December 1, 2023
Christmas Being A Difficult Time For Some

in Christmas Poems

Christmas here once more,
hard to ignore, festive
wreaths on every door.

Christmas here once more,
hard to ignore, festive
wreaths on every door.

Housed inside is needled
pine, bright baubles shine
with tiny twinkling lights.

Trees glow, festive music
flows, lifts up hearts, baking
starts, excitement grows.

Little sticky fingers help frost
white icing on the cake, set mini
figures among the snowy peaks.

Traditional food abounds,
turkey with all its trimmings,
a flame-lit Christmas pudding.

Snaps of bursting crackers,
scattered paper hats and jokes,
sounds of popping corks.

Glasses brimmed with bubbles
of good cheer - that's how it is
for some - at this time of year.
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- Stories 2
- Shares 13
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- Votes 9
- Rating 4.22
Featured Shared Story

I really loved this Poem! If you would ever ask me, Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday and it is the best time of year! My favorite thing about Christmas is the family being together and...

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Six Senses Of Love
- Published: November 2022
Falling In Love

in Short Love Poems

I heard your voice,
I saw you grin,
I tasted your lips,
I breathed you in,

I heard your voice,
I saw you grin,
I tasted your lips,
I breathed you in,
I held you close,
I touched your skin.

My sixth sense said,
"I’ll marry him."
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- Votes 41
- Rating 4.17
I Love To Breathe In
- Published: June 2022
Poem About Appreciating The Sense Of Smell

in Short Poems

Homely aromas
of freshly baked bread.
Scents of the garden
infused in my head.

Homely aromas
of freshly baked bread.
Scents of the garden
infused in my head.

Wiffs of the sea
whilst walking the beach.
Sniffs of freshness
from an apple or peach.

The essence of a baby
breathed in from its skin.
And my love, ah my love,
I love breathing you in.
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- Stories 1
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- Votes 20
- Rating 4.20
Featured Shared Story

Ann, this is so beautiful. I have a lump in my throat. Once again, you have an ability with such ease to create a masterpiece in just a few words. The fragrances you chose to mention are...

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