Everyone is gathered here in the winter cold.
All are shivering under-beneath their coats.
The snow has fallen though the sky is now clear,
The crispness of the earth crackles underfoot.
Frozen drippings of ice hang from the church roof,
Illuminated by the sun they sparkle brightly.
Heads are bowed, perhaps because of the sunshine,
So that cry-filled eyes are shielded from harm.
Words are spoken, will anyone listen?
Prayers are said, will anyone heed them?
Flowers are placed, will anyone see them?
Tears are wept, will anyone imbibe them?
The sun has gone and the clouds return,
A chill descends over the modest flock.
Snowflakes, once more, fall and everyone is weary,
That is ~ all but one.
-
Author:
ASJ (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 23rd, 2021 16:18
- Comment from author about the poem: I writ this a long, long time ago. Most of it came to me at the December funeral of a friend. He was a fire-fighter who lost his life in the course of his duty. It was a sad day indeed. I wanted to write something and thought, at that time, that rhyming was less than appropriate therefore, I used free verse.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 16
Offline)
Comments5
Not much into funerals Alan, not even my own - I hope I've made that clear to anyone concerned...that's just me - I do recognize it's function for the mourners.
I felt the bright cold December very clearly, a vivid picture. Thanks.
I agree with you entirely Dave. I think more and more people (at least here in the UK) are seeing funerals this way also. Thanks for coming all this way to comment.
Kind regards, Alan
Very emotive words Alan.
Andy
Thanks Andy. I suppose a funeral is just a gathering of people and a gathering of thoughts.
Ex animo, Alan
A fine write Alan.
Thank you Steve. Good to hear from you.
Ex animo, Alan
A fine memorial verse Alan - a firefighter deserves all our verses of tribute and this dear friend will be now ever remembered by readers of your poetic words.
Yes Fay, much is owed to these men and women, everywhere, many who are (or have been) personal friends.
Ex animo, Alan
when we lose the foresight, to celebrate
A meaningfully lived life
we lose all respect, for that gifted experience of existence
and hence, morosely - the idiocy of Nihilism: prevails...
but that's what happens
when those who cloister themselves
in their own morbid cocoon bubbles, forget
the Universe wasn't built, to sustain
their self-obsessed, egotistical: Ignorance!
Quid enim refert ~ What does it matter?. The word nihilism is rooted from the Latin 'nihil' meaning 'nothing'. I think Dave and myself are of the opinion that it is not necessary to spend mega-bucks on a funeral in order to celebrate someone's life. Respect for someone's existence cannot be measured monetarily. Thank you so much for your input L.B. it is appreciated.
Kind regards, Alan
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