drove from the Midwest to New York to bring Chrys a baby cockatiel to raise and love. it was way back, I don't remember the year. I met her on Neopoet and knew immediately that she was a sister to me. back when my knees were still good and I was nimble and could drive and walk and dance.

Chrys was (it is hard to think of her in past tense) a lovely lady who sang and played guitar. she was strong and independent and wise. she could light up room with her smile, and often did. I always attributed this song to her, her signature song:
You Tell Me That I'm Falling Down
Linda Ronstadt
You tell me that I'm falling down
A drifter with no role
You tell me that I need a friend
To help me take control

Well, let it be I'm not alone
I'm only lonely see
And you can't tell me where to go
Or what or who to be

I am exactly what I am
And not the way, you'd like to see me be
I look outside long as I can
Then I close my eyes and watch my world unfold before me

I may not lead the simple life
I've no love of my own
If no one gives me all his heart
I'll manage with a loan

I'm very used to feeling sad
It doesn't make me cry
And yes, I do know how to love
And what you say's a lie

I am exactly what I am
And not the way you'd like to see me be
I look outside long as I can
Then I close my eyes and watch my world unfold before me

You tell me that I'm falling down
A drifter with no role
You tell me that I need a friend
To help me take control

Well, let it be I'm not alone
I'm only lonely see
And you can't tell me where to go
Or what or who to be

I am exactly what I am
And not the way you'd like to see me be
I look outside long as I can
Then I close my eyes and watch my world unfold before me

when she was unhappy with her pen name, I suggested several, and she chose to be known as "China Blue" it fit her well. I will love and remember her till my end of days. Go lightly, my friend, on your journey of peace, for you are loved...

your special Cat

Condolences to her private family, and her family here at Neopoet.
Lavender / Diane

Founding member, eh? I did not know her, and am wishing she was still with us. Perhaps we can find a way to remember her on the site.

one of her own works as a memorial to her? It seems to fit the occasion.
Condolences to all that will miss her.

Harvest(September's contest)
Submitted by China Blue on Wed, 2015-09-09 15:47

Ashes of last nights bonfire
now whisked away on the chilled air
the harvest moon reflects the fallen leaves, that snap and crunch
beneath my feet

Picking up a tumbled leaf,not quite gone it’s way
I cannot help but think of how it was
once unscathed and alive without a price
to pay

The season was kinder to it then
fresh and supple it did grow never a thought given
to the coming
snow

Yet there is a calmness in this night
as the cycle moves on and thoughts
take flight

to see this used as her poem in the anthology, it fits her perfectly. She was a friend and co-chat host with me and a great participant in the chats. We had a really good partnership, and I will miss her presence. I had hoped that we would resume our chat duties together at some point after her bout with ill health, but it was not to be. If there is a great beyond, I'm sure that you will be there and we can have a Chrys' Tea Room, like we planned. ~ Always, ~ Geez.
.

When the calabash is broken,
who will mend it?
When the light is covered with a bucket,
How will it eliminate the darkness?
The nail had fallen in the sea,
who will find it?

For this life we all live,
We must surely fall asleep
Eternally,
Eternally asleep
For we all wish to dream blossomy
For this is the beginning of our journey
Fare well you have a nice sleep.

to hear about Chrys' passing! She was one of the first to welcome me to the site many many years ago and was a wonderful poet. She will be missed.