Sunday, March 27, 2016

MY FRIEND

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My friend was a good, kind man
who grew in wisdom which he shared
with those he loved til the end.
He had flaws too, like we all do. 
He was human
Though he often seemed divine.

I sat by his side as he lay
dormant in final slumber,
while my thoughts clashed 
with the silence the dying create.
Death has such power
to stir emotions I prefer to bury.
It haunted me with its black cloak of fear,
it's scythe that will rip me from this earth.
Yet, I am grateful to thoughts of death.
The fear it projects can be a stimulant for living.
Fully living, I can face my fears.
Confronting death, I embrace life.

Crying, I said goodbye to my dying friend
who, arriving at the end of all his paths,
now begins to rest.
I hope he heard my words of loving support
during his graceful passage.  
I know he'd understand my selfish thoughts 
about my own life
and its inevitable departure.

(My husband's uncle passed away yesterday.  He was an ordinary man, who gave extraordinary love.  We will miss him.)

(For Poets United.)

16 comments:

  1. My condolences Myrna and also Easter Blessings

    Much love...

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  2. I am so sorry for your loss Myrna! This is a beautiful poem and a loving tribute.

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  3. Heartfelt hugs.
    And oceans of caring.

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  4. Another loss, Myrna. I am sorry. Yes, he would understand your appreciation of life at such a time. I like what you say about the quiet the dying create. I have observed a surrendering to the process that the dying make, so your words resonate.

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  5. Sorry to hear Myrna! A good man befitting the kind tribute!

    Hank

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  6. What an outstanding tribute on the death of a relative which is so touchingly beautiful.

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  7. Yes, Myrna, death definitely has power to stir those emotions one prefers to bury. I think when we watch someone face death we also have to look life square in the face...and as we support the dying we also have to support our own living. I am so sorry for your loss, Myrna!

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  8. I think you hit on a profound truth here: "I am grateful to thoughts of death.
    The fear it projects can be a stimulant for living." There does seem to be something about the thought of death that can be a great motivator to us for living well! Sorry for your loss :-(

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  9. Sorry for the loss, Myrna. He is a loving gentleman I can tell from your words. :)

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  10. I am sure he heard and contemplating our own mortality in the face of another's death is not selfish - perhaps it is one of the last things the dying person can 'give' us before they pass..peaceful thoughts to you and a wonderful tribute to your friend

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  11. Deepest condolences Myrna. He was a great man. A beautiful tribute.
    Big hugs!

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  12. I am sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family. A touching write that I'm sure we have all reflected upon, sounds of a very good man by you touching words.

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  13. May he rest in peace. What a wonderful eulogy!

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  14. An honest and fitting tribute,

    Elizabeth

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  15. Those extraordinary ordinary people of great love are so precious – in life, and in memory.

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  16. Condolences ~ This part strongly resonated with me:

    The fear it projects can be a stimulant for living.
    Fully living, I can face my fears.
    Confronting death, I embrace life.

    Hope you are well Myrna ~

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