Tuesday, February 14, 2006

 

A special poem for Valentine's Day

The following is a poem by S. Hancock that emob left on Susan's blog this morning. Susan's family just yesterday lost a special member of their family. I kind of feel this poem could have been written by my Annie for me, and in fact it is possible that Annie has led me to it on this special day for Lovers. We were lovers for over 38 years until her death last summer but as this so eloquently brings out, we really are still together. I will post more about today, tomorrow. Enjoy:


Within You

If I be the first of us to die,
Let grief not blacken long your sky.
Be bold yet modest in your grieving.
There is a change but not a leaving.
For just as death is part of life,
The dead live on forever in the living.
And all the gathered riches of our journey,
The moments shared, the mysteries explored,
The steady layering of intimacy stored,
The things that made us laugh or weep or sing,
The joy of sunlit snow or first unfurling of the spring,
The wordless language of look and touch,
The knowing,
Each giving and each taking,
These are not flowers that fade,
Nor trees that fall and crumble,
Nor are they stone,
For even stone cannot the wind and rain withstand
And mighty mountain peaks in time reduce to sand.
What we were, we are.
What we had, we have.
A conjoined past imperishably present.
So when you walk the wood where once we walked together
And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow,
Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land,
And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand,
And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you,
Be still.
Close your eyes.
Breathe.
Listen for my footfall in your heart.
I am not gone but merely walk within you.

S. Hancock

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Comments:
Happy Valentines day Dick. yes I agree that this poem is wonderful, and I think for sure your beloved Annie led you to it. I want to also share a poem with you about losing a loved one.

Those we love remain with us,
for life it's self lives on.
And cherished memories never fade,
because a loved one is gone.
Those we love, can never be,
more than a thought apart.
For as long as there is a memory,
they will live on in the heart.

Love and hugs to you on this day Dick.
 
Dick, I am so glad you came across this poem today. Like a Valentine message from your dear love. Perhaps Coppers passing yesterday was timed for just that reason. God truely does work in mysterious ways. Happy Valentines day to You and Annie, as she will always walk within you.

Susan
 
This was my second Valentines Day without my husband, and I have found that it really does get easier. Not better, but easier. Blessings.
 
Hi Dick -

That is a lovely poem, and I'm sure Annie is thinking of you, too.

Did you ever see the movie "To Dance with the White Dog"? It starred Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, and was a very sweet story about their love, and his life after her passing. It was made for TV in 1993, but you might be able to find it at a video store. I think you would enjoy it. ;->

Hopefully we will get a chance to see you again this summer.

Judie and Gary
 
Carol, that poem is a nice one, too. You have an amazing ability to find poems that are just right for any need.

Oopseedaisy, perhaps you are right. For whatever reason, I am glad that EMOB posted that poem on your site yesterday.

miss cellania, I am sorry for your loss. I have know people who lost spouses but until it happened to me I didn't realize how devistating (I probably misspelled that) it is.

Judie, I'll look for that movie while here in Yuma to rent. If I enjoy it I may even buy a copy. I remember the movie, "Love Story," from the 60s but it didn't relate much to his survival after her death and their situation was so different from mine. Thank you for the suggestion.
 
Hi Dick,

As I responded to Susan, I always worry when I leave comments, about whether or not I'm being intrusive, but that poem resonated with me as I've also lost someone dear to me recently. I'm glad I followed my heart. I'm very sorry for your loss. Your 38 years is a real inspiration to me.

Emily
 
Hi Dick, That poem is heartfelt. I still miss my sister after almost 9 years but I know that I'll see her some day. She is healthy, strong, smiling, and enjoying her new life like Annie is now. If I only had a day to live I'd tell my loved ones that they would be okay without me. They are strong and they can have a blast doing the Lord's work until we are together again. Hang in there, Bobbi
 
Dick,
I happened upon your site by a happy accident. I am wondering about the poem "Within You" by S. Hancock. Who is S. Hancock. If you could tell me I would appreciate it.
 
Nita, This was posted a long time ago and it is only by chance that I happened on your question. I don't know the answer but did include in my post where I got the poem. You might check with emob.
 
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