I’m still in the United States, this week road-tripping through New England. Got the bulk of the work done last weekend in my son’s father’s apartment, with the help of friends and family, including two very kind friends of his — one of whom shared this poem with me as she had shared it with him. It captures so well the troubles that plagued him, as well as a salutary reminder to push against our self-imposed limitations. I remain devastated that he was unable to find peace or purpose in this life, despite his many talents, but this poem ends on a hopeful, rousing note.
Whether we die at an age young enough so that people are traumatized by our passing, or whether we die at an age so old that people are surprised that we hadn't already died, our sojourn on earth is short. It is eternity that matters. Our task on earth is to know where we are going for eternity. The gospel of John in the Bible has a lot to say about how to get to a good eternity in its 21 little chapters, particularly Chapter 3 and Chapter 14.
Wow, I never met Ms. Lorde, but she knows me well!
Thanks for the poem. My brother died at the age of twenty-two, in 1981. He's forever youthful in my mind, but I often wonder what he'd be like today, at age sixty-four.
Jenny, may you find peace and heal. That poem is hauntingly accurate, and it inspires me to do better at living in hope, soaking in it and giving it to others. Keep flourishing!
Whether we die at an age young enough so that people are traumatized by our passing, or whether we die at an age so old that people are surprised that we hadn't already died, our sojourn on earth is short. It is eternity that matters. Our task on earth is to know where we are going for eternity. The gospel of John in the Bible has a lot to say about how to get to a good eternity in its 21 little chapters, particularly Chapter 3 and Chapter 14.
Wow, I never met Ms. Lorde, but she knows me well!
Thanks for the poem. My brother died at the age of twenty-two, in 1981. He's forever youthful in my mind, but I often wonder what he'd be like today, at age sixty-four.
Sister -- I have this poem on the bulletin board next to my piano! It's a mainstay in the vibrational field....one of my faves...
Jenny, may you find peace and heal. That poem is hauntingly accurate, and it inspires me to do better at living in hope, soaking in it and giving it to others. Keep flourishing!