epitaph

“After last night’s storm the tulip petals are strewn across the patio where they mortally fluttered.”– from Church, a poem by Jim Harrison

She lost her best friend…
husband and loyal confidant,
devoted father, avid fisherman;
a man for his time and beyond
who served country, church
and community well. He bloomed.

Did he enjoy flowers? He receives
them now with thin-petaled eyes
closed, smile line of lips stilled,
silent as the cancer that spread.

Like delicate flowers, we too are
seeded, planted, nurtured, watered,
weeded, sometimes uprooted, and
lovingly tended to our fragile end…
when God plucks and gathers us
into his eternally beautiful bouquet.

The grass withers and the flowers fall…”


Thanks to Linda Lee Lyberg for dVerse poets prompt to write inspired by line from Jim Harrison’s poetry. Written in memory of Norm De Boom…for Sherry.

31 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Linda Lee Lyberg's avatar Linda Lee Lyberg
    Jan 26, 2022 @ 08:40:41

    What a thoughtful response to the prompt Lynn. Simply beautiful.

    Reply

  2. ben Alexander's avatar ben Alexander
    Jan 26, 2022 @ 04:04:09

    lovingly tended to our fragile end…

    That’s a lovely and sweet image, Lynn.


    David

    Reply

  3. ccongalton2014's avatar Carol Congalton
    Jan 26, 2022 @ 00:36:57

    So poignant and beautifully written.

    Reply

  4. zeldawinterblossom's avatar Zelda Winter
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 22:53:37

    Beautiful writing, and I very much liked your About as well. Abundant blessings to you ❤

    Reply

  5. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 22:12:13

    A beautiful poem Lynn. I like how you made it relatable to all of us. Well done.

    Reply

  6. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:59:44

    The flowers and we are not so different, you’re right. All gifts under heaven. May I offer condolences for your loved one returning to the eternal beautiful bouquet that God chooses at will.

    Reply

  7. Grace's avatar Grace
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:52:37

    This is sad to read but very comforting and peaceful at the end.

    Reply

  8. Becoming His Tapestry's avatar Becoming His Tapestry
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 19:37:26

    Love it, Lynn. Great is our God

    Reply

  9. Ken Gierke / rivrvlogr's avatar Ken / rivrvlogr
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 18:12:30

    With your lines, I imagine a bud tightly closed, filled with potential no matter how long or short its life may be.

    Reply

  10. cbialczak1971's avatar Stine Writing
    Jan 25, 2022 @ 16:20:39

    Oh, so sad! But with the hope that God is sweeping up all the fallen to find them a new place.

    Reply

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