Hills
in August rise frozen
against the setting sun
a glass of chardonnay
perspiring at the table
of summers
she doesn’t drink
anymore.
In her laughter, a reminder
of the best medicine,
and the lesson she lived—
no one can beat you
when you’ve learned
how to laugh
at yourself.
R.I.P. Phyllis Diller, Comedic Genius (July 17,
1917 – August 20, 2012)
Copyright 2012 Jennifer
Wagner
A wonderful reminder of how powerful it is when we see ourselves with levity and wit
ReplyDeleteI think we do take ourselves too seriously sometimes. Freeing indeed to "see ourselves with levity and wit". Thanks Audrey!
DeleteWasn't she so good at making people laugh. I remember watching her on TV as a kid in the 60's and though I didn't understand all of her jokes, thought she was so funny. A lovely tribute to her Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteI was born in the 70's and remember her initially being on TV at my grandparents house. Like you, I didn't understand all her material at the time-- but I was drawn in by her zany look, her voice, and her raucous laugh. Always loved seeing her appear in specials over the years. She definitely knew how to deliver a line! Thanks much Daydreamertoo :)
DeleteA lovely tribute and lovely poem - especially like the segue of wine and table and summers past and medicine laughter. k.
ReplyDeleteThanks k! Glad to hear you enjoyed those elements--I appreciate it!
DeleteLovely tribute ans so true no one can hurt you when you laugh at yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think it's true too--it can take some of the sting out of life--thanks much ayala :)
DeleteLove this. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, very much.
Deleteamen....laughter is a beautiful thing...and def sometimes the best medicine for a moment...if someone taught you that they are indeed very special...smiles.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it doesn't cure all ails--but it is definitely medicinal...always feels better to laugh. Thanks Brian!
DeleteLight with with good clarity like I imagine the wine. I can hear the glass clink with the laughter.
ReplyDeleteLove your descriptors: Light with good clarity--perfect! Thanks colleen!
DeleteI love this -- and I loved Phyllis Diller. You captured her well.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much hoofprints!
DeleteSo right...Phyllis Diller was one of a kind. So hard to lose these one-of-a-kind people, as they are not replaceable. But then again, I guess we are all one-of-a-kind peole and not replaceable, aren't we? She could laugh at herself so well. That was her gift to herself...and to us all. Thank you for this poem.
ReplyDeleteShe was unique--and you are right, we all are. She did have a gift and won't be forgotten because of it. A good reminder to use our gifts, right? Got me thinking again Mary, thanks!
DeleteNice tribute to a funny lady. People who live their lives laughing have figured it out, haven't they?
ReplyDeleteI think you're right! Thanks PattiKen!
Deletelaughter is a wonderful medicine. and being able to laugh at yourself...
ReplyDeletelovely.
...and sometimes I think I need more doses, always helps! Thanks much RMP :)
Deleteso true that...laughter is a fantastic medicine...and it's precious to learn from people who live their own lessons and make us see that it really works
ReplyDeleteMaybe it really worked too...she did live to be 95! Thanks Claudia!
DeleteI like this so much and yes laughter is one of the best medicine. It reminds me of a quote that says you have grown up when you can laugh at your self.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote--love it! Thanks for coming 'round my blog Kimolisa and sharing!
DeleteI loved how zany Phyllis was~ She was a gift...my grandmother watched her on TV!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute~
She always did seem to be having such a great time and it was contagious, that's a gift for sure. Hard not to grin at that zaniness! Thank you!
DeleteWhat a nice tribute to Phyllis Diller. I love how you portrayed her life and humor.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Victoria!
Deletesummers she doesn't drink anymore. TOO cool!!
ReplyDeleteI always loved Phyllis Diller. She lives on in the young at heart for sure.
Thanks Jannie! It is good to be young at heart isnt' it? Laughter does that too-- glad you came by! Love your thoughts!
DeleteA lovely tribute to a truly funny lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eric!
DeleteWhat Eric said. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary :)
DeleteLove this poem!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, glad you do!
DeleteA certain favourite.
ReplyDeletePublish it.
Thanks for the compliment and encouragement Matthew.
Delete