Poem
For Death
(by John O'Dohohue)
From the moment you were born,
Your death has walked beside you.
Though it seldom shows its face,
You still feel its empty touch
When fear invades your life,
Or what you love is lost
Or inner damage is incurred...
That the silent presence of your death
Would call your life to attention,
Wake you up to how scarce your time is
And to the urgency to become free
And equal to the call of your destiny.
That you would gather yourself
And decide carefully
How you now can live
The life you would love
To look back on
From your deathbed.
-------------------------------
Lila kindly sent me a link to where I could find that poem, among the comments on his book - "To Bless the Space Between Us - a Book of Blessings" on Amazon.com.
The commenter left quite a long essay about O'Donohue, who died in January of this year, concluding with a quote about what O'Donohue said happens on the other side: "I believe that our friends among the dead really mind us and look out for us," he wrote. "Often there might be a big boulder of misery over your path about to fall on you, but your friends among the dead hold it back until you have passed by."
I now have someone very special watching over me. Since my mother has moved into the spiritual realm, she is more aware of me now probably than she had been during the past few years. In this I am blessed.
Labels: grief journey, Mother
posted by GreenishLady @ 12:18 pm
10 Comments:
I have enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you for visiting mine. Your poetry selection is beautiful and your prayers so serene. My dearest friend moved back to Ireland 10 years ago - she lives in Inishbofin. I know from visiting that the weather can be difficult.
I am sorry for the loss of your mother. May your faith and prayers keep you strong. One of my very close friends is a Baha'i and I am familiar with their teachings.
Peace to you and those around you.
I came back by, looking for the link to Cate...
I have Johm O'Donohue's Blessing book checked out from our library now. I will have to buy one!
I've fallen in love with his prose and his "way with words". [YOu can hear him speak on You Tube, I love his Irish voice and can "hear" it when I read his words.]
I posted his birthday blessing.
I think this is my first time reading his words. I particularly like that quote of his, that the commenter mentioned. It is comforting to think of our friends and loved ones, watching over us - holding back those boulders of misery from us. Sometimes I think I've felt their hands busily doing just that. I feel certain our loved ones are watching over us. Sending loving thoughts your way, Imelda ~XOXO
I'm sorry to hear that you've been on a long and painful journey the past few weeks. Wishing for you that each day is better and that you truly find 'the life that you would love to look back on' from your mother's example. I know you'll feel her presence more and more each day.
Take good care, my friend.
Imelda, I'm beginning to think my son has a little to do with my not so bad reactions to the Chemo treatments.. and what I'm not so sure he could have handled in this world, I think now he is my strength.
Love to you and a blessed day!
It's been awhile since I'd been here. When I discovered that you lost your mother I spoke outloud, "Oh, sweetheart." The poem touched me in many different ways. I'm so glad that you have shared what you've shared. When my mother passed, five years ago, I was infuriated at the world and despaired. Your "grief" posts are inspiring and make me want to wrap my arms around you ... in comfort and in gratitude.
The poem opened my eyes to my own life. The line, "...live the life you would love to look back on from your deathbed." made me tremble. That life is waiting for me on the other side of this surgery. Scary but exhilirating at the same time.
My surgery is to remove a tumor on my salivary gland. It was scared but I'm doing much better with that and have much more faith it will all go well. Thank you for the good wishes and I am so glad to see you again.
You will be in my thoughts today. Your visit made my day much more meaningful. I'm happy hearted to reconnect.
*love and hugs*
I once went to a psychic and the best thing about it was when he described my maternal grandmother as standing with me, watching. I felt such a burst of joy and connection and well-being--she'd been dead for years, and I didn't know her very well (because my mother is German and we weren't able to visit her family often), but it made me feel good to know that in spite of that, she was there, helping me.
They really don't leave us...
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm glad to meet you but sorry to hear that it is a hard time for you right now.
I'm really interested in soul collage cards although I haven't made any. Wish I could have joined you in Northern Ca., you probably weren't that far from our Mountain House.
Darla
imelda i had not known your mother had died until i came by today for a visit. i am sorry you had to say goodbye although i appreciate the solace that comes with knowing she did not suffer awfully in her death. i have not caught up with how you are feeling about being away and coming home early. i know how much this visit meant to you, coming to the states this summer. do take care and thank you for visiting me these past days. it has been nice to 'see' you :)
I believe that my mom and grandma are watching over me, and that your mum is watching over you too.
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