A Mother's Passing

Simple words on the passing and mourning process of a mother. 4th anniversary, on 9th April, of mum toodling off to get some well deserved pain free peace.

Wash every face with mournful tears
let solemn silence fill all ears,
have time stand still to mark the day
a mother died, passed away.

Draw a veil across the sun
inform the birds no song be sung,
bow down all heads in silent prayer
for she is gone, no longer there.

Let choirs of angels sing their love
and carry high her soul above,
then cherubs tend and for her care
until the time to join her there.

Dry every face of mournful tears
may celebration fill all ears,
remove the world from mute and pause
each broken heart beat out applause.

Unveil the sun tell all birds sing
rejoice in what all mothers bring,
a love unbounded, true and deep
eternally in each heart to keep.

Author's Note

This was read at my own mother's funeral

Reviews

[ANTO]

"let solemn silence fill all ears, .." - class image here - absolute nothingness filling the voids - very apt for this write.

i like the way the whole write swings around this fulcrum
"Let choirs of angels sing their love,
and carry high her soul above,
then cherubs tend and for her care,
until the time to join her there. " - as a fulcrum its quite stunning and clever word arranging too.

The fourth stanza reminded me of the New Orleans style funerals with the jazz bands accompanying - a fine celebratory verse - of a life well lived.
The end stanza brings us back to serene poignancy and allows the reader to carry on but with a new memory in our hearts forever.
Its a very well penned memorial Gee. Really... sound as...
:))

[Gee]

Thanks Anto,nice to get your seal of approval,B...............

[Yana Larson]

This poem elegantly shifts between mourning and celebration, creating a poignant, emotional journey. The first half, full of somber imagery like *“Wash every face with mournful tears”* and *“bow down all heads in silent prayer,”* reflects deep sorrow at the loss of a mother. The tone is reverent and meditative, honoring both the grief and the spiritual transition of the soul. The shift in the second half, with lines like *“Dry every face of mournful tears / may celebration fill all ears,”* transforms the sorrow into a joyful remembrance of the mother's love, creating a sense of closure and peace.

The style is reminiscent of poets like Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti, who often explore themes of loss, the afterlife, and the enduring nature of love with solemn beauty. The rhythmic structure and repetition emphasize both the heaviness of loss and the uplifting power of remembrance. Overall, this is a beautifully balanced poem that captures the complexity of grief and the eternal impact of a mother's love. You are great!

[Gee]

I guess the words fell in a good way for this poem doesn't happen often.
Thank you for taking the time to read and leave such an in depth review, it is appreciated.

[Yana Larson]

You are welcome. You deserve it

[The_Ancient_Rock]

Wow... very deep.

Nice...

Sorry for your loss...

It can be... very difficult.

;)

[Betty Hermelee]

A beautiful tribute to your mother Gee; I wish I knew something about her; but every mother deserves a proper goodbye.....and your is soft and uplifting, nostalgic and warm...when tears have dried up, it's time for her celebration of life....Amen
Best, B

[Lisasview]

I am so moved by your poem.
Made me cry at the loss of all mothers, everywhere.
Not a day goes by when I do not think of my dear mother.
Wish she were here to see what is going on...
Did you read my poem (2nd one I posted a year ago) called Mothers letter? If not, I think you might like it.
Lisa

[Gee]

Thank you Lisa.
Read the poem of yours that you mentioned a while ago.
Hope you are both well.

[Lisasview]

All is good... Thank you!!

[willweb]

This was beautiful my friend and brought back memories of my mother's passing. I lost her about 5 years ago and the memories are good ones. Though it was sad to lose her, she went on her own terms. She was 92 and her health was failing. She was in a hospital when I went to visit her and she called my sister and myself to her bedside and said, "I think this will be it for me. I am tired and it is time to go. Just promise me you two will always get along." She passed that night in her sleep. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to mothers.

[Gee]

Thank you for both your kind words and also for sharing an intimate part of your life.

[Chris Shaw]

Can't believe that three years has gone since I read this poem last. Truly a beautiful, touching write and particularly relevant to me at this time. Plus of course it is Mothering Sunday. Pleased this poetry is getting an airing Gee. Hope your good lady is enjoying her day and is being spoiled rotten.

Chris

[Gee]

Hi Christine, thsnks.
It's 3rd anniversary of mum passing on April the 9th, time really does fly although at that time it seemed to standstill for quite a while, as you to well know.
The good lady is in Ayrshire with her mum visiting friends leaving Holly to look after me and Max the pooch....bless her :)

[Chris Shaw]

I'm sure Holly is making a very good job of looking after you. Nice your wife is with her own mum today. Doesn't time fly? Three years. Seems like yesterday.

[.]

What a beautiful poem on a great loss! Yes ,indeed no word can describe that loss but your heartfelt poem can touch that deepest point in our heart.your portrayal of everything closing down in pain and numbness is very touchy.My heartfelt condolence to the grieving family

[Gee]

Thank you kindly :)

[Robert Trakofler]

I feel these words so clearly and I’m so very sorry for your heartfelt pain and loss in these very strong emotive lines that you convey so true...a wonderful expression of love in writing..she breathes In every line

[Gee]

Thank you BB, I appreciate very much your kind words

[barleygirl]

I'm so sorry for your loss . . . the hardest one of all to lose for many of us! (((HUGS))) This is a beautiful poem & a heartfelt share. I love how this poem goes from shutting down & silencing, to finally opening up & celebrating. Beautiful way to show the grieving process . . . please take care of your heart (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Hi Margie, thank you.
Mum is finally pain free and at peace:)
Hope you are well.

[barleygirl]

I understand this blessing of being pain-free!

[gram linski]

beautiful poem, for me the birds didn't sing for a long time, but now happy memories overwhelm the sad,thanks for the great read

[Gee]

Cheers Gram..sorry for the loss of your mother