When death comes and brushes
your family
your family
with its feathery wing,
let the tree of your being
sink its roots deeply into the earth,
the better to keep your balance
as the winds of grief move
through your soul.
But allow your leaves and branches
to remain supple and bending,
so they dance in the breezes of
the present moment without breaking.
May their willowy waltz
brighten the eyes
brighten the eyes
of your loved one, letting him know
that, even in pain and tears,
you will be all right,
still living in the love song
that is this life's gift to you.
Be still and listen for the flutter
of angel wings close by,
as all those you and your departing one
have ever loved and lost
bend near to gather
your dear one Home.
This is a beautiful way of thinking of death. I can visualize each bit of it.
ReplyDeleteYour piece brought tears to my eyes....it seems funny, the emphasis changes...as time goes on...at first how can you go on....how to bear what you think you cannot bear...how to live until you are alive again...now I am trying to learn the lesson....giving love generously....love this piece! The Wings of Death.
ReplyDeleteSo very nice, beautiful thoughts, and such a nice poem, Sherry. What you have coming I"ll tell a bit.
ReplyDeleteWhen Mom died it hit me hard even though we had been separated by the miles for forty-nine years. She died at age and I saw nothing wrong with that. The hard thing was that I NO LONGER HAD A MOM. She had always been there. That I won't get over.
Sam mechanics with Dad and same thoughts but it didn't bother me. Mom passing still does.
The roles and feelings may reverse, I don't and won't know.
When Adi died, you've read of her, my beagle dog of sixteen years, her dying hit me harder than either parent.
Worst of all was our divorce, my first marriage. I'm over it entirely, mentally, but physically I often have a stifled sob when I sigh.
I think death of a spouse would be similar to the split.
Your poem, I believe, would bring comfort after the death but not for the divorce.
Didn't mean to dump on you but I just wanted to relate the degrees and types of grief I've seen.
One other, I had nine cousins on my dad's side. One died a couple of years ago, absent of any grief by me. We were all close but I felt that all of our turns are coming, any one of us could be next. I am ready for them or for me.
,,
Sorry for the typos? I am at the doctor's office waiting room with my iPad and I couldn't position everything in 'Preview' so that I could see it. I fixed some.
DeleteMom was eighty-eight when she died.
..
A wonderful view of death..I needed this.
ReplyDeleteSuch wisdom specially with these lines:
ReplyDeletelet the tree of your being
sink its roots deeply into the earth,
the better to keep your balance
as the winds of grief move
through your soul.
Beautiful words tonight Sherry ~
Grace
The roots of our sorrow may be deep down in darkness, but our soul will still reach for the sunlight. Wonderfully put together, my friend,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/
Indeed. When death touches near home... we can't forget that we are still alive.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful and so eloquent- It is my new favorite! This provides so much comfort-a true gem! Wondrous, Sherry
ReplyDeleteah...so soothing...thank you dear friend....
ReplyDeleteI find the image of all the loved ones already passed gathering to welcome one to the other side. Did someone's passing recently inspire this, Sherry? If so, my condolences to you. xx
ReplyDeleteThis is magnificent Sherry. I felt like you wrote it to me personally. Lately grief has engulfed me. I cry at the slightest things. I have several very sick relatives and well you must know those moods, because is written with pure compassion and understanding. One of your best. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteit is so like bending branches... lovely imagery
ReplyDelete