27 February 2015

When a Friend’s Father Dies


For Avis                               

Hold her in the Light and close
as she finds ways to let go
and swim back to the mainland.

A piece has broken off, or
has been covered by the tides
that claim us all in their time.

Mortality is of God,
but doesn’t feel like Mercy
as companion-ship leaves.

Or changes course into
invisible passages
while everything reminds her.

His house embraces her, and
everything in it is sound
and built strong from his caring.

And this she can count on, this
will keep her afloat while she
remembers her own sea legs.

Remind her that Justice is
alive.  Justice needs her love
as she aches, as she finds Peace

and entertains her close friends
again, sees we admire her gifts and
loyalty, and love her smile.


Copyright © 2015  S.L.Chast



31 comments:

  1. A beautiful supporting poem of strength and compassion, Susan. This poem will help her greatly. I'm glad she has her father's house, built of his caring, wrapped around her.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well said. It's never easy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Christopher Barnes2/27/2015 7:26 PM

    Mmm.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christopher Barnes2/27/2015 7:26 PM

    Mmhmmm.

    ReplyDelete
  5. This poem should comfort your friend, Susan. It is always hard to know what to say or do in the face of death...but I think you have the answer here!

    ReplyDelete
  6. sometimes tides are harsh and unkind but one has to move on..."companion-ship leaves." the significant breaking here is so sad and inevitable...

    ReplyDelete
  7. So well said! And so completely.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Our lives cannot be completely free from guilt, horror and sadness. It is hard enough to save ourselves let alone help others which may result in our own demise. Decisions must be made and once done the die is cast. Let's hope we don't face the same situation. Now we will all ponder "What if it were me?"

    ReplyDelete
  9. lovely embracing words. we should all have such friends in our time of loss and lamentous pain

    gracias Susan

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful poem...any loss is a process which can only be made 'easier' with the love and support of friends and family - and remembering what is left..not what has gone perhaps?

    ReplyDelete
  11. To continue is to live with his presence in the embrace of his house.. Somehow this is both comforting and sad.. Hope this a good support for your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a gift, to have a friend who knows all these things and puts them into practice... For, indeed, when a loved one dies, nothing makes things better than another soul reminding you that part of celebrating his or her life and staying loved and alive.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is very uplifting and comforting to read Susan ~ These lines spoke to me:

    His house embraces her, and
    everything in it is sound
    and built strong from his caring.

    ReplyDelete
  14. you got me at remembering her sea legs... the past is in our future

    ReplyDelete
  15. this is such a wonderful gift of friendship

    have a nice Sunday; thanks for stopping by to read mine

    much love...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh Susan this is such a wonderful poem for your friend....it brought tears to my eyes as I still feel my father's loss almost 20 yrs on now. That companion-ship that is gone is hard to recover from.

    ReplyDelete
  17. it can be so hard being supportive but well written

    ReplyDelete
  18. So eloquently expressed, Susan, with tenderness and understanding and love. I know this gesture will console and comfort your dear friend, during this most challenging time.

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  19. masterful.

    http://ihopsmithwalkingpath.blogspot.com/2015/03/haiku-and-poetry.html

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your words really are comforting and supportive. What a beautiful friend you are :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very nice and comforting poem

    ReplyDelete
  22. a piece has broken off ..i can feel the sense of loss..

    ReplyDelete
  23. As Spock would say:

    Change is the essential process of all existence.

    I am sure he now roams on the other side of now..

    ReplyDelete
  24. Everyone needs a hug or two at time like this. Such a heartfelt poem Susan. Your words definitely comfort your friend.

    ReplyDelete
  25. To cheer a friend in times like this is never an easy task... and you did, Susan. Thank you for being such a good friend to her.

    - ksm

    ReplyDelete
  26. Susan,

    A very fine and thoughtful means of commiserating with a friend at this sad and difficult time. Sometimes words can say it all, in a placid and calming manner. They are also written from a supportive heart.

    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
  27. Comfort given is always good

    ReplyDelete
  28. losing a parent is so hard...when my wife lost her mother it was one of the hardest times in both of our lives...leanring how to console her through the process of grief...

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog!