Today's entry is offered with heart-felt condolences to Jennifer and her family. It seems we have been making kindred journeys. On July 14th, my mother also passed from this life. She managed to wait until my entire family gathered around her, and we spent an amazing week, sharing a vigil by her side. Up until the last moment (and perhaps beyond), I continue to learn from her.
During her last few weeks, I often had music playing that my mother loved. Among the pieces was a Bill Staines song, "River". She used to sing along with the chorus;
"River, take me along
In your sunshine, sing me a song
Ever moving, and winding and free;
You rolling old river, you changing old river,
Let's you and me, river, run down to the sea."
Midwiving Mother
sitting by her side
holding her hand, time for words
is past, no longer
able to breathe with her the
long, breathless breaths, our
prayers gathering, building a
bridge, body labors
to free the spirit
tide goes out, peace comes
in, releasing the bonds to
spirit, river flows to sea
8 comments:
Marti - I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss. Your writings are so touching....I hope that you too will find comfort in the thoughtful expressions that so many have shared this week. Sincerely, Susan
Your post had me in tears. I am so sorry about your mother. And I was so deeply moved by the "River Song" and your poem "Midwiving Mother". Your line "body labors to free the spirit" is so beautiful and so true of that process. It is a birth! I am sending you a big hug.
Oh...body labors to free the spirit is the very best expression I've ever found for those last moments. that is exactly, precisely, truthfully told. thank you for that and for seeing the beauty in the passage. she clearly taught you something golden...and (from experience) she will continue to teach you.
Thank you for sharing from your own recent loss. It helps me as I deal with "rivers" of life-threatening illness and dying around me in my own life this past month or so.
tide goes out, peace comes
in, releasing the bonds to
spirit, river flows to sea
These last lines are especially moving and beautiful.
Marti, having known your Mom just a little, and of her suffering too during the last months, I am so moved by this piece. Anyone who has ever experienced such an intimate moment with a loved one could find solace and recognition here. A beautiful poem by a beautiful woman for her mother.
i'm very sorry for your loss.
your poem is beautifully expressive.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Beautiful post!
I am sorry for your loss. The words you've written are so healing.
Post a Comment