Wordplay, the poetry group of which Cecile was such a happy and active member, gathered at the Woolsack Hotel on 3 June to remember a greatly loved fellow poet and artist, Cecelia Pauly.
Each member present (and also those unable to attend) contributed a poem recollecting or reliving memories of their friend, Cecile. Some of the poems together with a sketch of the young Cecile were published in the June edition of the Sydney Morning Herald, page 14, and which can be read online at : www.southsydneyherald.com.au.
Each of the poems was read aloud, and each awoke in the listeners a keen response as
they recognised the qualities of character, the physical features, habits of dress and attitude
the poets had chosen to celebrate.
The Orchid
In this beauty
I find comfort
a glass container
soft moss inside
surrounding a pot
which holds an orchid
reaching tall
a stem
bowed with heavy flowers
its tip still waiting to bloom
magnificent
strong in colour perfect in shape
graceful
the essence and epitome of creation
O Cecile
you stood tall
and moulded with grace
and spoke with quiet calm intention
gratitude blossomed from your soul
you kept your suffering from the world
and now spread your beauty far and wide
Rest in peace, eternally new.
from Heather Robinson
Haiku for Cecile
As Death impended
Gentle kindly dignity
Masked sturdy dignity
from Margaret Vasey
Recollecting Cecile
A quiet presence in our midst
A chance meeting on the street.
Cecile in a yellow silk blouse,
Speaks of estate planning.
Bemused, I'm oblivious
I did not know how soon.
Cecile in her art class
Exploring her vision
Despite the looming darkness.
Cecile laughs
Recalling the sixties
And sunny days in California.
'The wine bottles
Just kept piling up!'
She says with nostalgic chuckle
Still, I am oblivious.
Suddenly - in memoriam
Shock - a vague recall, a hint?
Perhaps.
She would not darken our days too much
With her impending fate.
The sun's revolutions
Trouble you no more, Cecile.
Now in your celestial studio
You wield your heavenly brushes
Dali and Picasso at your side
Admiring your yellow silky blouse.
from Yvonne Hocothee
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