Journal entry by Al Negstad — a minute ago
I've always been a person of prose. Neither reading nor writing poetry have been a significant part of my experience. Since Joanne died there has been a shift in my appreciation for poetry, encouraged by good friends who are frequently published poets. It's another of those 'better late than never' situations so I'll not grieve the wasted opportunities while I embrace this new appreciation. Living in the land of grief I've often found poetry able to capture both what I'm feeling and thinking. Take, for example, this poem.
Seasons Of Grief
Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/seasons-of-grief
"...a photo of your playful smiling face..." Pictures of Joanne are placed around both the condo and The Little House On The Prairie. The computer monitor for my desktop sits on a glass top desk. Under the glass I've inserted several of my favorite pictures of Joanne smiling at me. "yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me, And the good things of life you've helped me to see; linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain...."
Takk for alt,
Al
This is one of the pictures of Joanne under glass on
Seasons Of Grief
© Belinda Stotler
Published: February 2012
Shall I wither and fall like an autumn leaf,
From this deep sorrow - from this painful grief?
How can I go on or find a way to be strong?
Will I ever again enjoy life's sweet song?
Sometimes a warm memory sheds light in the dark
And eases the pain like the song of a Meadow Lark.
Then it flits away on silent wings and I'm alone;
Hungering for more of the light it had shone.
Shall grief's bitter cold sadness consume me,
Like a winter storm on the vast angry sea?
How can I fill the void and deep desperate need
To replant my heart with hope's lovely seed?
Then I look at a photo of your playful smiling face
And for a moment I escape to a serene happy place;
Remembering the laughter and all you would do,
Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you.
Shall spring's cheerful flowers bring life anew
And allow me to forget the agony of missing you?
Will spring's burst of new life bring fresh hope
And teach my grieving soul how to cope?
Sometimes I'll read a treasured card you had given me
And each word's special meaning makes me see,
The precious gift of love I was fortunate to receive,
And I realize you'd never want to see me grieve.
Shall summer's warm brilliant sun bring new light,
And free my anguished mind of its terrible plight?
Will its gentle breezes chase grief's dark clouds away,
And show me a clear path towards a better day?
When I visit the grave where you lie in eternal peace,
I know that death and heaven brought you release;
I try to envision your joy on that shore across the sea,
And, until I join you, that'll have to be enough for me.
For all the remaining seasons of my life on earth,
There'll be days I'll miss your merriment and mirth,
And sometimes I'll sadly long for all the yesterdays;
Missing our chats and your gentle understanding ways.
Yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me,
And the good things in life you've helped me to see;
Linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain,
Until I journey to that peaceful shore and see you again.
From this deep sorrow - from this painful grief?
How can I go on or find a way to be strong?
Will I ever again enjoy life's sweet song?
Sometimes a warm memory sheds light in the dark
And eases the pain like the song of a Meadow Lark.
Then it flits away on silent wings and I'm alone;
Hungering for more of the light it had shone.
Shall grief's bitter cold sadness consume me,
Like a winter storm on the vast angry sea?
How can I fill the void and deep desperate need
To replant my heart with hope's lovely seed?
Then I look at a photo of your playful smiling face
And for a moment I escape to a serene happy place;
Remembering the laughter and all you would do,
Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you.
Shall spring's cheerful flowers bring life anew
And allow me to forget the agony of missing you?
Will spring's burst of new life bring fresh hope
And teach my grieving soul how to cope?
Sometimes I'll read a treasured card you had given me
And each word's special meaning makes me see,
The precious gift of love I was fortunate to receive,
And I realize you'd never want to see me grieve.
Shall summer's warm brilliant sun bring new light,
And free my anguished mind of its terrible plight?
Will its gentle breezes chase grief's dark clouds away,
And show me a clear path towards a better day?
When I visit the grave where you lie in eternal peace,
I know that death and heaven brought you release;
I try to envision your joy on that shore across the sea,
And, until I join you, that'll have to be enough for me.
For all the remaining seasons of my life on earth,
There'll be days I'll miss your merriment and mirth,
And sometimes I'll sadly long for all the yesterdays;
Missing our chats and your gentle understanding ways.
Yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me,
And the good things in life you've helped me to see;
Linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain,
Until I journey to that peaceful shore and see you again.
Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/seasons-of-grief
"...a photo of your playful smiling face..." Pictures of Joanne are placed around both the condo and The Little House On The Prairie. The computer monitor for my desktop sits on a glass top desk. Under the glass I've inserted several of my favorite pictures of Joanne smiling at me. "yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me, And the good things of life you've helped me to see; linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain...."
Takk for alt,
Al
This is one of the pictures of Joanne under glass on
No comments:
Post a Comment