The ferryman is paddling my way,
but has not yet rounded the bend.
So far, I can't hear the singing,
the dip of the oars.
Not time yet.
Remember those years
when energy was inexhaustible?
When you could walk miles
along the shore, then miles back,
that big black wolf
grinning at your side?
I hobble now,
but my heart still lifts on eagle's wings,
my eyes blessing the water, the trees,
the sky, the harbour,
the blossoming cherry trees
full of baby hummingbirds
in my front yard.
Grateful.
Grateful.
I never take anything for granted,
each peaceful day a gift, a blessing,
each smile, each kind word,
moving today gently into tomorrow.
Still here.
Still so glad to be here.
Bring me a blue sky,
a heron perched on a treetop.
Spring rain.
It will be enough.
The ferryman may be on his way.
But it's not time yet.
Not yet.
Inspired by "Two Months Before My 65th Birthday" by David James. And by a story my grandma told me about her friend, who had a near death experience and came back. She found herself crossing a desert, with a river ahead. She could hear people paddling a boat, the oars dipping and lifting, the people singing. They were coming to get her. But then she came back. It wasn't her time yet. Not yet.
"Still here.
ReplyDeleteStill so glad to be here"
And I am glad you are 'here' too. So hard to believe how quickly the time goes. Hard to believe we are of 'a certain age' when we feel so young inside.
This is a beautiful poem, Sherry! I hope that your family will celebrate that big birthday with you, Sherry, and give thanks for the strong and kind woman you are. It is no small thing to reach that age which such grace as you have!
Beautiful! I too am grateful for each dawn and sunset. We are blessed to live on such a wonderful planet full of beauty.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Love you Sherry. 💕🙏
ReplyDeleteNot yet. Definitely not yet. We have so much more to learn from you - love and kindness and poetry. Hope you have a beautiful celebration for your 80th, Sherry.
ReplyDeleteAh Sherry, You still walk in beauty and write from that aching place. Stay with us! I love this poem.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely happy you are still here and I feel you still have much to experience in your journey. Love this passage in your poem. Sometimes it is the simple gifts from nature that are the greatest.
ReplyDeleteBring me a blue sky,
a heron perched on a treetop.
Spring rain.
It will be enough.
Beautiful poem!
ReplyDeleteWell your words so poignant have gone and made me cry. Love you friend.
ReplyDeleteJan Elise
DeleteAhhhhh Sherry /absolutely exquisite -I could feel the steps with your big black wolf at your side -hear the dip of paddles into clear water - ahhh every image exquisite and the heron - oh oh oh - the calm gratitude of it each and all - not time yet - and yet who of us know when the ferryman offers his hand and we step into that boat what wonders may very well lie ahead and yet and yet -not time yet ❤️ This my dear poetic friend is a magnificent piece a testament to life and calming and joyous hand for us all - With boundless love -happy almost birthday -Going to print frame and save -Love pearl
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and well done—still here and grateful are we for that too. S E Ingraham
ReplyDelete