memories are precious reminders of the good times, and/or needed reminders about the bad times perhaps. At the moment, the idea of memories is very much in my mind, and I remember a favourite uncle of mine who died very recently. Denis McGill was my mother’s much-loved brother, as well as being a published writer who had many friends in the writing world of South Australia and beyond.
The news of his death has prompted people to remember him, in fond ways. He as a good bloke, and everyone liked him. He has one poem, that many people know of, and that poem which I am almost certain is titled “Orange Trumpet Vine”, will live on in the memories of many of us, family and writers both.
That idea of living on after our death is possible one of the big reasons many people write, to be remembered through their words after their death. Being well-known, having people remember who you are is an important thing, when you are a writer. If people know or know of you, it is more likely you might be considered in people and groups need a speaker.
And if you are a writer, it’s important to be a speaker too. Writing might be your main thing, but speaking words is important too, to keep your name in people’s minds. Being accomplished as a speaker as well as writer means you will get more book sales, or have your books borrowed from libraries.
I have written a poem today, in honour of my uncle, and share it here for you to read.
Orange Trumpet Vine – remembering my Uncle Denis
Sad but not sad
sad because
that’s the way
these things are
with grief
but not sad because
memories
are brought out
polished up
made beautiful again
and those memories
are becoming lore
one orange trumpet vine
at a time
and he will surely live on
as long as our memories
allow him and his words
to live on
in our minds
in our hearts
in our stories
in our memories
of that orange trumpet vine
and so much more …
Thank you for everything Uncle Denis.
Carolyn Cordon - Creative 