Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Laughing Hills



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

40 comments:

Audrey Howitt aka Divalounger said...

A wonderful reminder of how powerful it is when we see ourselves with levity and wit

Daydreamertoo said...

Wasn'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.

Anonymous said...

A lovely tribute and lovely poem - especially like the segue of wine and table and summers past and medicine laughter. k.

ayala said...

Lovely tribute ans so true no one can hurt you when you laugh at yourself.

Susan Daniels said...

Love this. Well done.

Brian Miller said...

amen....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.

colleen said...

Light with with good clarity like I imagine the wine. I can hear the glass clink with the laughter.

Anonymous said...

I love this -- and I loved Phyllis Diller. You captured her well.

Mary said...

So 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.

PattiKen said...

Nice tribute to a funny lady. People who live their lives laughing have figured it out, haven't they?

RMP said...

laughter is a wonderful medicine. and being able to laugh at yourself...

lovely.

Claudia said...

so 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

Kimolisa said...

I 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.

Ella said...

I loved how zany Phyllis was~ She was a gift...my grandmother watched her on TV!
Beautiful tribute~

Victoria said...

What a nice tribute to Phyllis Diller. I love how you portrayed her life and humor.

Jannie Funster said...

summers she doesn't drink anymore. TOO cool!!

I always loved Phyllis Diller. She lives on in the young at heart for sure.

Jennifer Wagner said...

I think we do take ourselves too seriously sometimes. Freeing indeed to "see ourselves with levity and wit". Thanks Audrey!

Jennifer Wagner said...

I 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 :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks k! Glad to hear you enjoyed those elements--I appreciate it!

Jennifer Wagner said...

I think it's true too--it can take some of the sting out of life--thanks much ayala :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you Susan, very much.

Jennifer Wagner said...

Maybe it doesn't cure all ails--but it is definitely medicinal...always feels better to laugh. Thanks Brian!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you very much hoofprints!

Jennifer Wagner said...

She 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!

Jennifer Wagner said...

I think you're right! Thanks PattiKen!

Jennifer Wagner said...

...and sometimes I think I need more doses, always helps! Thanks much RMP :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Maybe it really worked too...she did live to be 95! Thanks Claudia!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Great quote--love it! Thanks for coming 'round my blog Kimolisa and sharing!

Jennifer Wagner said...

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!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you very much Victoria!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks Jannie! It is good to be young at heart isnt' it? Laughter does that too-- glad you came by! Love your thoughts!

Bubba said...

A lovely tribute to a truly funny lady.

Rosemary Nissen-Wade said...

What Eric said. :)

Jennifer Wagner said...

Love your descriptors: Light with good clarity--perfect! Thanks colleen!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thank you Eric!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks Rosemary :)

Lisa Williams said...

Love this poem!

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks very much, glad you do!

Matthew John Davies said...

A certain favourite.

Publish it.

Jennifer Wagner said...

Thanks for the compliment and encouragement Matthew.