Everlasting (a Tanka)

Some days arrive quietly and leave a lasting tremor in the heart. Today was one of them. This finale 75th birthday wasn’t just a celebration of another year — it became a gathering of the people who have walked beside me through the most profound chapters of my life.

This group of friends is woven into every part of Carole’s story. They were there when she and I first met, full of hope and laughter. They were there when MS entered our lives forty‑four years ago, offering care, strength, and the kind of support that can only come from people who love without hesitation. Through three decades of Carole’s battle, they stood with us — not as visitors, but as family.

And even after Carole passed fourteen years ago, the thread didn’t break. Every three or four months, we gather to honour her astonishing life — her compassion, her grace, and that infectious smile that could soften any room. Today, on my birthday, that ritual became something deeper. It felt like a circle closing gently around memory, friendship, and the enduring presence of a woman who shaped us all.


The Crew, and my birthday Barbeque Apron present; a handcrafted gift by Dot … “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill Shall come against him.”



Everlasting (a Tanka)


This circle of friends,
like a silver wedding ring,
bright and long-lasting,
lovingly loyal and strong —
yet time does not weary them.




A tune for the long road we’ve walked together — still singing, still smiling. A journey that continues to be brightened by loyal friends.




Ivor Steven ©  July 2026

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ivor20

G'day, and welcome to my blog site. My name is Ivor Steven, I live in Geelong, Australia. I'm an ex-industrial chemist, and a retired plumber, and a former Carer of my wife(Carole), for 30 years, who suffered from severe MS. I Write poetry about those personal thoughts, throughout and beyond my life as a Carer. I've been blogging for over 2 years, and writing poems for 19 years. Of course a lot of my poems are about my favourite subject Carole, but since I've been blogging my writings have become quite varied, humourous, mystical, observational, and even a few monster/horror poems.

45 thoughts on “Everlasting (a Tanka)”

  9. What a beautiful story, my dear friend. To have friends like that is a rare thing; you are blessed many times over. I’m delighted you hade such a memorable and happy birthday celebration. Here’s to Carole, to good friends, and to you! 🥰

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  10. Please pass the tissues.
    So lovely, so sweet, so wonderful, so heart-touching! Those loving bonds of friendship will continue always. 🙂
    I know Carole was there with all of you, as she holds a special place in each of your hearts…but she was, also, there in spirit. And she was smiling! 🙂
    Fabulous apron gift and “Frankie” card! 🙂 (The card made me laugh! 😀 )
    I’m so glad you got to have several times of celebrating your birthday in your month of July! 🥳
    (((HUGS))) and ❤️❤️❤️

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    1. Oh, I used them all while I was writing the story … thank you for all of your heartwarming wishes and words (more tissues) it was a truly amazing day, Carolyn (((HUGS))) 🥰🌏🤗🐶🎶💙💕

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  16. Truly amazing, how these friends of yours, emotionally and, socially support each other, and, your friends and you will surely, stay connected for the, rest of your, lives, as it is, too, important to, never stop, socializing as we get, older.

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