GRADUATION DAY

This poem, based on my experiences with death. May it bring some comfort and peace to anyone who has a fear of dying.

GRADUATION DAY   I was in my early thirties When I nearly left this life For my heart had stopped beating While under the surgeon's knife. My body was on the table They worked to revive me again. I watched in total amazement Really stunned to feel no pain. I drifted to the warm white light And the farther I rose above Words can't describe the feeling Being engulfed in peace and love. 'But Lord, what about my children? To leave them now would not be fair.' So He gently reassured me, They are always in His care. Then I wanted to go with him He said my work was not yet done Still much for me to learn and do And I had barely just begun. Only twenty five years later A drunk driver hit me head on If not for divine intervention I surely would have been gone Suddenly, a pair of angels Appeared beside me in the car One just held his hand up, to stop The engine from going too far When he gently touched my shoulder I was filled with peace, without pain The other took my hand and led me Back home, to my Lord, once again Alas, it was just a visit Once again He sent me back My work here was not finished Or there's something I still lack When my work is finally over And death comes as it may Don't weep for me, beloved At last its graduation day! (c)Ellen Hammond

Author's Note

This is the poem originally titled "MY LIFE"....but my friend Mark suggested the new title which I like better. Hope you think it is better too.

Reviews

[Anita B Jacques]

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. Yes we have angels among us, a few times in my life I experienced their interventions, why us ? maybe because we are willing to share our experiences with others, God is making it possible for us to do so. I'm a friend of Sheila, she gave me your name. I wrote a true story about a month ago, the event happened almost 3 years ago, please read it if you have the time. The name is "Lifeline", you'll be glad you did. God bless you.
A friend...Annie

[Tate Morgan]

deep beauty in this

[Francez]

This is an exceptional life experience that sets us thinking how precious and purposeful our lives are. Indeed, "Graduation Day" seems a more appropriate title. Until that day comes, let's run our race.

[Susie Q]

I like the title very much and I can relate to an angel bringing me out of my serious car accident. I believe as you do we were left here for a purpose and our work here on earth is not done. Your words always have so much meaning and I think this is part of your purpose. Keep writing!

[Ladysue]

Oh Ellen, this is so eloquently spoken. A graceful and inspiring piece of writing. Just so beautiful...

[Amber "Victoriomantic" ..]

Either*, my apologies

[Amber "Victoriomantic" ..]

Beautiful poem. While not religious at all myself, I can recognise your sentiment, and am glad to hear your religion pulled you through. You're a remarkably strong person to have been able to talk about what happened to you so honestly and beautifully.

It is very clear that you were meant to live, for whatever reason, and I hope you are able to find and fulfill this purpose, so when you do leave this life, you leave it happy. I too have been close to death (on more than one occasion), but all happened when I was too young to remember--the first of these being pre-natal. However, the fact still remains that I believe the same--clearly there is something that I am meant to live for. Someone, I should say, as I have found him.

Eitehr way, this was a truly breathtaking poem; it's clear that you appreciate life, even after everything (I saw on your profile what the selfish driver left you with), and that you do not fear death, which is both remarkable and wonderful. Clearly, you should be admired.

Finally-- I really like the last stanza. "Graduation Day"-what an excellent way of putting it :]

[emmajoy]

For various reasons, I've always felt that life on earth is that so-called Hell .. the place where we all meet with troubles and stress, personal or global (to put it very briefly) .. The Heaven, that place, is what is before and after .. beautiful and welcoming, peaceful and ready for us, pillows for sad heads, beautiful gardens for smiles.

Your poem has just enlarged on my thoughts, quite a long time held, Ellen .. that the brief sight and feel of death is beautiful, it's a gasp of happiness, a touch of comfort and never, never to be denied.

Your faith and strength as shown in this poem is just beautiful and such an inspiration. Tears. I stop, thanking you. (Ellen)

[Lee]

Ellen, this is a perfect piece. It's well-written from the heart and from someone who has actually been there and recalls what's to come. I liked it and it brought back memories of my loved ones who've left here and graduated. I have no doubt what you experienced is true and look forward to it myself some day. Thanks again, friend. Keep smilin'...Lee

[Helen Woodward]

How wonderful this is Ellen, you tug at my heartstrings so heavily and I believe with all that is in me that eternity awaits those who want it. As you say, you still had work to do and you are doing it through your writing. I sincerely hope that you will publish, if you haven't already because your message will reach so many who need to hear it...
Loved this so much, have you ever heard of Elizabeth Kubler Ross? She did some wonderful work with very sick children who had experienced a visit with Jesus, very moving testimonies. (I may have spelled her name wrong)
You are wonderful...truly inspirational xx

[Kenny L. Mitchell]

Why must you make me cry (smile)? Truly these words have humbled my heart and actually answered a prayer that I made recently. I thank you so much Ellen. I am shelving this in my library and will hold you (and your God given talent) within the confines of my heart. THANK YOU.