A new year invites us to reflect and consider what has been and what may lie ahead. As the first blog of 2021 I thought it was appropriate to encourage that reflection with two contemplative poems.
The first is a Jewish meditation before Kaddish. Kaddish is the ritual for mourning used in Jewish Culture. This meditation is particularly beautiful and is often quoted.
When I die give what’s left of me away
To children and old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother walking the street beside you.
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone
And give them what you need to give me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better than words or sounds,
Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.
You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,
And by letting go of children that need to be free.
Love doesn’t die, people do.
So, when all that’s left of me is love,
Give me away.
Another beautiful poem that is aimed at parents on the death of a child is written by John O’Donohue.
No one knows the wonder
Your child awoke in you,
Your heart a perfect cradle
To hold its presence,
Inside and outside became one
As new waves of love
Kept surprising your soul.
Now you sit bereft
Inside a nightmare,
Your eyes numbed
By the sight of a grave
No parent should ever see
You will wear this absence
Like a secret locket,
Always wondering why
Such a new soul
Was taken home so soon.
Let the silent tears flow
And when your eyes clear
Perhaps you will glimpse
How your eternal child
Has become the unseen angel
Who parents your heart
And persuades the moon
To send new gifts ashore.
Grief is not an easy place to be. But there are always moments when the sun peeps through and you glimpse hope. It is these times that are often places where such poems seem to fit.
If you would like to talk to me about how I can help you with your grief, please contact me on 0409396608 or nan@plentifullifecounselling.com.au
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