october is warming up
like august — two months ago
where we stood in a summer
cemetery singing gospel songs
and saying goodbye
goodbye
grief, I think, is hot — not cold
a burning, swarming absence
that gets under your skin
and won’t let you find
a cool place to relax
these feelings are as old as
the weather; the heaviness
is humbling when I see others
who have carried the weight
far longer than I . . .
and this is my story
I am the last one left with
the name we both carried
the family resemblance
even through changes
in this season little feels
reliable beyond loss and love
still we keep moving
through the deceptive heat
and the warm shadows
Peace
Milton
wow. were you writing about you or me? aside from the “name” reference, I think I could have penned the same words…although not as eloquently. Had you on my mind yesterday as I began my sermon. The title is “Re-Membering,” and I will send it to you when completed. Love you Uncle Milty!
Thanks, Charles. Thinking of you, too, particularly today on your parents’ anniversary.
Peace
Milton
Beautiful.
Beautiful words. Still praying for you. Grief stays fresh a long time. Love and miss you!
Thanks, Susan. Grief, it seems, stays for the rest of the journey.
Peace
Milton
Milton, I am so inspired by each of your blogs. Your Dad and Mom were special friends while at Westbury Baptist and I agree grief does stay for the rest of the journey
I always look forward to your thoughtful words, made close by the wonder of the internet. I’m in a place where I keep bumping up against the reality of my parents’ aging… so I thank you for some insights along the way.
stumbled on this just this morning:
http://blog.stevebell.com/2013/10/death-and-dying/
thank you again
Karen