He’s gone
A lifetime of 83 years
One last breath
And he’s gone
Absence
Silence
Reminders
And then the pain
With no time to absorb
No time to feel
Only the processes, the needs
Of affairs to be resolved
Dictating an attention
Refusing
Postponing
The grief
And now with only space
And a sudden influx of time
Comes the pain, the tears
For he really is gone
Oh poppy, you rise to bloom
With petals of royal red
And the deepest dark core
Giving unambiguous symbolism
Signature of reverence
For those never to be forgotten
You embody a pained dignity
In the midst
Of life’s most difficult times
You show me strength
With your inherent form
As you adorn my lapel
You drive me to confront
My challenges
And learn from your qualities
Remembrance:
Painful to embrace
But laced, she is, with deep love
Dignity:
Humanity’s stature
Measured by compassion
Clarity:
The fruit of growth
Despite the desire to revert
Poppy dear,
You’re nature’s gift
As you grace my garden
And bring gratitude to my heart.
Number of days shorten
A shining light begins to fade.
Bearers assembled
Eulogies sing out.
Absence marked
At dining tables,
End of text and phone lines.
Keys, cars and clothes
All untouched.
Cried and uncried tears
All await their turns.
Triggers.
Simple stories and songs
Photographs and jokes.
Oh my lovely!
Where art thou now?
Among the stars?
Flying with the angels?
Watching over me?
Something tells me
My yearn
My memories
Of what we’ve shared,
Is my solace.
Your presence
No longer physical,
But still remains
Warm, charming
Undeniably lovable.
You live on, my dear.
Maybe not as I once knew.
But now, in a new phase
Here for me to face.
I learn anew
Life always goes on
Presence changes form
True love never ends,
And you and I
Will always be one.
rhythmandthedancer 