Today is another monthly segment of Spiritual Thursday Journey, Chris Margocs is the host and proposed to our writing group that we reflect on "those who passed and left something behind in our hearts in preparation for the upcoming holidays of All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day". She added, "as a person of Celtic heritage, the idea of thinning of the veil between here and hereafter on these days intrigues me". She further noted, "as a resident of a state that celebrates Hispanic culture, Dia de lost Muertos informs me as well".While I did not know about the idea of thinning of the veil, I researched the topic and this led me to an understanding of the days leading up to the end of October and the beginning of the November holidays.
Thinking back on my childhood and my fear of the thought of death, I wanted to create a poem that brings a different slant to that word. I cherish fond memories of dear family members and close friends who passed on. Their hearts are linked to mine and hope you feel the same way.
©CV, 2022, draft
Carol, your poem is lovely. I think that many of us as children have a fear of death. As we age we gain an understanding that death is not something to be feared but it is a gateway to a new life, one filled with love, joy, and no fears. We realize that those we love who have passed on never leave us but are with us in our thoughts, hearts, and dreams.
ReplyDeleteBob, your perspective of the transition period in my life is correct. I thank you for joining me here and offering your insight. When I started having dreams of my loved ones and friends who passed on, I was not sure if others also experienced this. Now, I know that this is a real experience for me and some of my friends.
DeleteSo beautifully written, Carol - autumn reminds us there is glory contrasted with loss, and peace to be found even in the midst. I recall being so afraid of death as a child, about age nine, that I prayed for God to show me what it was like. I dreamed that night of dying...which was essentially waking up. In the dream I knew I was dying but could feel my own bed and the wall beside me materializing. I have never forgotten it. The experience is inherent in these gorgeous lines of yours:Nearness surrounds.
ReplyDeletePeace floats into
clouded corners
of night. I awake
to the touch of
a soft, lifted veil.
Tranquility.
Fran, thank you for sharing your thoughts of death. Some dreams are so vivid that we never forget them. Others are sheltered by blurs of recognition. I continue this month to have dreams of loved ones. May fall continue to bring peace days and nights.
DeleteCarol, my apologies for taking several days to look back and read your reflections. I am so glad that I did! I love how you shifted from "thinning of the veil" to "lifting of the veil" - and this particular line I have read and reread, just loving what it imparts: "lift the veil and walk into my dreams." Oh, this is beautiful. I often wake in the middle of the night with such clarity about a loved one who has passed, as if I have been visited by them. Also, the form of your poem on the page is like a wisp of cloth...love that. Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteMaureen, I get such a sense of peace from your comment. We are fortunate to have our community of writers and believers. I did feel positive about the form of my poem but your comment on it provides another thought to ponder.
DeleteCarol, this is absolutely lovely, this peaceful and heartwarming description of that veil being lifted in dreaming. You have captured the idea of the "thinning of the veil" so well, that gentle connection made, the peace it can bring. I've only experienced those dreams a handful of times, but they brought reassurance and peace as well. Thank you for this month's contribution to our writing circle.
ReplyDeleteChris, when I first read your prompt, I was in a quandary. I never heard of the thinning of the veil and Celtic traditions. I spent several days pondering my path to writing this post. Now, that the writing is over, I am enjoying the comments on my thoughts. I feel closer to those who responded and hold each thought in my morning meditation. Thank you for letting me dig deep into my soul to find the words to write.
Delete