August 29, 2010
He Is Leaving
The August breeze carries them,
descending
twirling
floating
like so many gold foil flecks shimmering inside diagonal rays of late summer sun.
"Why?" I ask indignantly. "Why are you falling?"
Even as the fullness of summer still gives off her scent -- life, life, everywhere!
Crickets calling, bugs crawling, the birds so busy, as the garden snake lounges in
the shady, chocolate clay of the flower bed, flush with color --pinks, yellow, purple
with buds yet to bloom.
"It's too early. Why must you do this now?" hands on my hips, accusing eyes to the sky.
"Because," say the leaves. "It's our time."
Hello,
My big brother Don Whatley passed away this morning, his battle with cancer over. He put up a good fight. I loved him beyond measure. Please pray for his sweet soul, for Beverly, his wife and lifelong partner in crime, and strength and grace for all those who loved him and mourn his passing. I wrote this little poem, He Is Leaving, after I sat out in the yard yesterday.
God sent me the words.
Peace,
Jean
So sorry, Jeannie - he was too young.
ReplyDeleteWhat to say? "My thoughts are with you."? "He's at peace now."? "I'm sorry for your loss."? Words seem so inadequate. Like lines from a TV show. Or so I thought until I read your poem. Yes, I believe God sent you the words. Or, more likely, He gave you the heart and soul years ago (but not too many years) to find the right words for the moments and events of your life. They're beautiful, Jean. And I am saddened by his loss, even though I never met him.
ReplyDeleteAunt Jean. Thank you for this. It is absolutely true - he is gone to soon and the way I look at it God is crying with all of us. My love to all of you - prayers are with all of you now that Uncle Don is at Peace!!! Gabe and I are so very sad - too soon....
ReplyDeleteLove to you all!
Michelle
I'm sorry for your heartache.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteFill that aching, gaping hole in your heart with as many tears as you need to, enough cheers so that the angels in heaven hear you praise your brother in poem, song and even wails. Release your grief with a smile and laughter as you reminisce about the bond you shared. I am sad for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Your poem is so genuine and speaks to the heart. Blessings and comfort to you and your family.
Linda
JEAN AND FAMILY,
ReplyDelete"Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
THE PROPHET- Kahlil Gibran
SENDING ALL MY LOVE AND THOUGHTS TO YOU AND ENTIRE FAMILY IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME. DON WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
SINCERELY , LOVE TO YOU ALL
JANETTA
Very sorry to hear it, Jean....best to you and your family.
ReplyDelete