Hold Them Close

In the last couple of weeks I’ve been reminded of how important friends and family are. This has been because of the way in which we pull together when somebody close is ill and I think it is something to celebrate, but also to remember when times are less challenging. These thoughts prompted the poem below which , I think, speaks for itself.

Hold them close

Companions of childhood 
defenders and accusers 
sharers of memory 
Hold them close

Partners of siblings
acquired brothers and sisters
family grown outward
Hold them close

Parents and grandparents
aunts, uncles, cousins
the family you come from
Hold them close

Those you have nurtured
brought up, protected
your children now grown up
Hold them close

Life partners of children
new generations
parents of grandchildren
Hold them close

Makers of memory
bringers of new joy
children of children
Hold them close

Friends and companions
sharers of interests
food and activities 
Hold them close

Life styles may vary
opinions and foibles
none of it matters
Hold them close


C A Earnshaw 15/4/24