This week life came full circle. Both a new birth and a passing from life occurred in my family. While contemplating how life meets at crossroads, I turned to poetry to let thoughts surface like spring blooms. Coincidentally, my friend Ramona Behnke wrote a post sharing Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's poem Remember. It touched me so much that it became a mentor text for a silent conversation poem between my 94-year-old uncle and me during his last days in hospice. Because I live in Virginia and he is in Central NY, I could not travel to his bedside. The poem became my way of honoring his life.
Joy Harjo has said, "Poetry is like singing on paper". I celebrate my Uncle John's life through verse with the hope that he is spiritually close by listening to the lines.
Remember. . .
Remember the beginning as your mother cradled you into this world.
Remember receiving your father's name.
Remember your patriotic duties during wartime.
Remember your return to civilian life and stepping into college and a new career.
Remember your flights around the globe.
Remember your devotion to family and faith.
Remember your heritage and the delicious meals your mother prepared.
Remember your challenges and joys.
Remember your independent spirit and your willingness to support others.
Remember your nimble fingers creating crosses made of palms.
Remember your niece holding your hand and your family sending thoughts and
prayers from a distance.
Remember your brother and sisters who are waiting to embrace you in eternity.
Remember the Lord is with you in your silent moments.
Remember!
©CarolVarsalona, oldest niece, written during John's final days at Francis House, 2023
These poetic lines from Harjo's poem remind me of the immensity of the world, the possibilities it holds for each individual, and the celebration of life.
Remember you are this universe and this
universe is you.
The above poem will be featured in my Uncle's funeral program and read by m eat the gravesite next week. Now, I offer this post for Poetry Friday at Patricia Franz's blog, Reverie. She is celebrating 40 years of marriage and sending Memorial Day weekend wishes to all. Thank you, Patricia for accepting my poetic offering so late.
My antique postcard above reminds me to fill this Memorial Day Weekend with praise for my uncle, a veteran of World War II who enlisted in the Marine Corps at a young age.
His memory and the memory of so many other veterans are remembered throughout this weekend.
☆☆☆☆☆☆
Patricia Franz invites the Poetry Friday community to enjoy some poetry-bathing this weekend. I look forward to reading other poet friends' poetic offerings.
☆HAPPY POETRY FRIDAY☆
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