The Empty Chair

     With Thanksgiving nearly upon us I wrote this poem in the memory of a close family friend who recently passed away. Claire had always considered herself to be a part of our family and was a regular member of the “cast” at all of our holiday gatherings. But, then I started thinking that a lot of families may well be missing someone during these holidays for the first time and whether it be, like Claire, due to a passing on, or perhaps to a military deployment and even someone like my brother and sister-in-law who just recently moved to Florida, there will be an empty chair(s) at the table in a great number of homes this year. So as we gather to give thanks to God for our share of His bounty, let us remember those who will not be here to share this day, and season with us and pray for them all.

     In case I don’t find time to post anything else between now and then, I would like to extend to all of you my prayers and wishes for the happiest and healthiest Thanksgiving.

Jake.

Let us pray that they are safe and well, wherever they may be.

The Empty Chair

(Claire’s Poem)

There is one

who is not here

for the first time.

Yes, there is one

who’s not here

since the last.

But, although

they’re not here

rest assured they are near.

So, in their memory

let’s raise up,

our glass!

***

Jack Downing

Nov. 2014

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed, written consent of the author. JRD. 11/23/14