(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/annafair/orchid2.gif) In Loving Memory
(http://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Anna.jpg)
Anna Alexander
SeniorLearn Poetry Discussion Leader and dear Friend Our Fairanna passed away on June 14, 2011. She will be greatly missed.View some photos of Anna with SeniorLearn Friends (http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/annafair/anna1.html)
Anna's obituary (http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailypress/obituary.aspx?n=anna-m-alexander&pid=152000506)
Anna's essays and poems (http://www.vgreene.com/Anna/annas_archives.htm)
can it be? summer is nearly gone?
the dog days of August are upon us
and Autumn waits to sing her song
the day light hours are less
morning arrives a bit later
and evening comes too soon
spring green leaves have deepened
now heavy their darker brow
throws a dusky shadow
upon the grass aged lawn
hidden in the dogwood bough
berries of bitter green
wait the cool of autumn
to bring forth their scarlet gowns
each day ancient leaves of gold
whisper their last good-byes
and flutter to the ground
there is no joy in their passing
though I welcome cooler days
nights beneath cold etched stars
my soul prepares to slumber
like bulbs beneath the ground
tentatively it hopes
in spring it will awaken
among the verdant grass
in Eden's hallowed ground
anna alexander 7/28/01
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/annafair/orchid2.gif)
Two poems our fairanna sent to me when I needed them the most - since the lump does not leave my throat I must need them again and maybe you need them as well.
A Question for you
When Autumn comes shall I gather
Her jewels fallen to the ground?
Pack each one in a box and send them
Off to you? What will you think
When you open and find them there?
Topaz from the tulip tree, garnet and ruby
Sparkling in the sun. Waiting to be gathered
Before they dry and blow away.
Will you remember me as I remember you?
Your address I no longer know,
Where did you go when we said goodbye?
How can I reach you? What number can I call
When summer says goodbye and I say hello to fall?
anna alexander
August 5, 2003
New Beginnings
Somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow
Lies a door, closed tight and latched.
It hinges rusting, holes patched.
The doorknob gone, the keyhole plugged
No light shines there, the lamp is out.
Standing in the vestibule of today's doubt
I peer through the dimly dark ,
See another door , hear a steady din
Voices whisper, softly shout , invite me in!
Looking one last time, a final backward glance
At the old door, the portal to my past
Hesitant I pause , throw the dice, cast
My lot. Place my hand against tomorrow's gate
My journey still ahead,my life incomplete
Reborn, a Phoenix rising from the blackened heap
Of ashes buried deep. Lifting my head, I face
The dawning day, the starting place.
Impatient now to see the morning star
Raise my voice in joyous singings
Embrace the land of new beginnings.
anna alexander 12/18/96
I am so sorry to hear of Anna's passing. She was an extraordinary person in many ways and how she absolutely loved her children and grandchildren!! All of her conversations to me centered on her family. I think she was the one who got us started on the idea of cooking at our Books at the Beach trip and everybody then pitched in, which made it truly a trip to remember.
A plaque over one of the bookcases in the beach house said "Memories," and that's what we're all feeling today. I am finding her close in her own poetry, what a wonderful way to remember her.
Barbara has put some of her poems here and also in the Poetry section and I have found them to be extremely evocative, here's another one:
DUST MOTES
captured by a random ray of light
trickling through a torn and shattered shade
a corps de ballet of dust motes
gracefully took flight
they floated in the bright beam
dressed in tiny twinkling gowns
their pirouettes their leaps
defying gravity it would seem
alas the sun removed its golden ray
abandoned them to a dim drab grey
impoverished them along with me
left us
h
a
n
g
i
n
g
on a dreary day
anna alexander Oct 14,2000 all rights reserved
That's a lovely thing, so like her in her ability to appreciate the smallest elements, and isn't it wonderful to hear once more her voice through poetry? We will truly miss Anna who brightened all our lives. My condolences to her family in their great loss.
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/annafair/orchid2.gif) In Loving Memory
(http://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Anna.jpg)
Anna Alexander
SeniorLearn Poetry Discussion Leader and dear Friend Our Fairanna passed away on June 14, 2011. She will be greatly missed.can it be? summer is nearly gone?
the dog days of August are upon us
and Autumn waits to sing her song
the day light hours are less
morning arrives a bit later
and evening comes too soon
spring green leaves have deepened
now heavy their darker brow
throws a dusky shadow
upon the grass aged lawn
hidden in the dogwood bough
berries of bitter green
wait the cool of autumn
to bring forth their scarlet gowns
each day ancient leaves of gold
whisper their last good-byes
and flutter to the ground
there is no joy in their passing
though I welcome cooler days
nights beneath cold etched stars
my soul prepares to slumber
like bulbs beneath the ground
tentatively it hopes
in spring it will awaken
among the verdant grass
in Eden's hallowed ground
anna alexander 7/28/01
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo55/jonkie2/Bryces7thbday072.jpg)
I printed out all of your comments from June, when Anna passed away, and wrapped them around a single rose. I thought it was important that the family knew that I was there for all of you. There were approximately 20 people attending the burial service - nearly all family members.
I wish you could have heard the comments on how much SeniorNet/SeniorLearn had meant to Anna. Her daughter spoke of how Anna had learned to use the computer back when SeniorNet had been part of AOL...how determined she was to learn this new technology. They went on to say what a godsend her ability to use the computer to communicate with her children and grandchildren as her hearing faded.
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo55/jonkie2/Bryces7thbday075.jpg)
It was an uplifting ceremony...one of Anna's poems written in memory of her husband at the time of his death, was read aloud. Col. Robert Alexander had served in the Air Force during World War II. When he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery 17 years ago, there was no memorial for the Air Force. Imagine the pleasant surprise for the family to find that the Air Force memorial built in 2005 can be seen from the grave site. If you look closely behind the tree to the left, you might be able to see the top of the three steel spires representing the three core values of the Air Force and the bomb burst flight manuever.
Anna's family was all so gracious, so grateful and kind to me for coming - to all of you for being such an important part of Anna's life. Though there were tears, their spirits lifted as they shared many MOM stories and memories afterward. It will take time, but they seem to share Anna's spirit. Her daughter kept the print-out of your comments, the rose was buried with Anna. May she rest in peace.