MUST THERE BE TEARS?
You laid there wasted and pale -
Greedy death waited and watched.
Greedy death waited and watched.
Doors open, close, and open again -
White soled feet come and go.
Halting breath, mottled feet -
Antiseptic air, astringent and sharp
I press my forehead against the wall
seeking comfort and strength where none is to be found.
You lay there unmoving but not alone.
Family and friends arrive
Son and daughter with wife and husband join hands
Insubstantial spirits surround you, welcoming you home.
Parents gone since your youth – Husband of 54 years
I smile with bittersweet relief.
Tears should wet my face
But only weakness settles in my knees
As my breath matches labored breathing, I wonder
Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?
20 comments:
Lovely poem and good question. . .something I'll be ruminating on all day. Thanks for the poignant start to my day, dear Annie.
This is soooo beautiful Annie....
Guess what! Apple Hill time is fastly coming! I can't believe that it opens Labor Day weekend!
This was so very moving Annie. It's especially so as I wait and watch my Grandpa draw closer and closer to leaving this earth..
hugs
I have to leave a comment today. Four months ago today I buried my Mom. I spent five weeks living in hospital with her and held her in my arms as she died. I cried inside every moment of every day and still cry . Your poem is lovely, I will print it out and keep it with me, thank you...
"Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?"
Believe me, it is. I went through that feeling when my dad passed away.
Beautiful Annie! I can cry buckets without shedding a tear. HUGS
(((((hugs))))
The strength of many pass through the one.
Oh, this gave me chills. Heartbreaking and lovely. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Such a touching poem, Annie. Very personal and yet an experience that is shared by all of us on some level.
As my dad's first anniversary approaches, this really made me think of his and our last hours together...
A beautiful poem, Annie... thanks.
Crying without shedding a tear seems to come with age and loss. Best wishes for your Grandma...
I recently experienced these same sentiments that you put so lovingly into words.
Hi Annieelf! Oh, Annie, my eyes and heart are filled with tears while reading your very moving poem. So well done!! And your last line is beyond incredible.
:)
This is very moving Annie..I can relate. hugs NG
This moved me greatly...thank you for sharing it.
Such heart~felt poignant images and such love... peace to your sweet heart and god speed to your dear friend... Much love to you AnnieElf...
And I missed that this was your grandmother... Oh Annielf... all the more poignant... I loved my grandmother's so and miss them everyday... they will always, always be in my heart, she will always be with you...
oh Annie, I'm welling up, beautiful and powerful *!*
Oh Anne, your poem is so moving and eloquent.
"Is it possible to cry and not shed a tear?" - breath taking.
Beautiful and bittersweet poem, Annie. So touching. xo
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