Original piece:
Broken Puzzle
12-23-2019
It all started with two, Ma and Pa.
Together they added twelve, 7 boys and 5 girls.
They had kids, then their kids had kids.
And some of those kids have kids.
Each piece adds up to a beautiful puzzle.
Puzzles are tedious and timely things,
Fragile with ruffled edges, yet
Sturdy when supported by bordering pieces.
A piece disappears, unaware they were leaving.
The puzzle reacts with sadness, madness.
Transforms into a new image with memories packed away.
Another piece leaves, again unaware.
The puzzle bursts with anger, questions why.
The sky cries and the lightening leads the rainbow,
Turning the broken puzzle into an array of remembrance.
Another piece leaves, this time with warning.
Although no easier, the puzzle is broken.
Still, the pieces bond again through the pain.
Another piece lost,
then another,
and another.
An imperfect picture constantly rearranging,
Constantly aligning with the stars we can still see.
The dimmest light allowing hope for a bright tomorrow.
The ache, the frustration, the sorrow,
It never leaves.
These pains evolve into strength, gratefulness, acceptance.
Our puzzle has been put back together,
Over, and over, and over again.
Undeniable love and strength in each remaining piece,
Angel pieces sending us laughter through memories.
Broken puzzles will mend, just as a sprout can bloom after a frost.
There’s no picture on a box to match,
The pieces fit perfect in that moment.
We each have a piece to give when one is taken away.
— SJ
Someone once asked me where I “got the idea” to refer to our family as a puzzle. I still can’t answer their question. Writing has always came naturally to me and I do most of my writings in the middle of the night/early morning. My notes are full of metaphors and random thoughts/ideas to write about. I sure do love my family puzzle, though.
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