Like Tears

Rest in Peace, Tante Freddy

"A Pretty Row" photography courtesy of betterphoto.com

She was about to open the door
into another world
yet she wrote the final page of her story
frail hands shaking with destiny
there was a time life surged when she summoned it
a time when tulips bloomed
and organs played lilting melodies
but tonight she was like a bird poised
to take flight
at precisely the moment
her inner calendar dictated
she flew -- unafraid
I take odd comfort in knowing
this is what she wanted
like tears
words now spill into my poem

Author's Note

After I spoke with my Tante (aunt) for what I felt would be the last time, I wrote this poem. She always loved my poetry and encouraged me to continue writing. I will miss her always. Rest in peace, Tante Freddy.

Reviews

[David Scott]

I have held the hands of many patients dying in the hospital when I was a child.
It changed me forever. Some times in my life I have forgotten the lessons I learned holding those frail fingers. Thank you for reminding me how precious a life is and how beautiful a passing can be when a life was well lived.
I'm feeling a rush of emotion as I type Lydi...
So many dear memories...
You have honored your friend well. I can almost hear her playing her music too.

[Lydia Shutter]

Tante was my aunt, David....my mom's sister. "Tante" is the Dutch word for "aunt" and my whole family is from Amsterdam. How sad you saw death firsthand when you were a child. Of course it changed you. How could it not? My aunt was a strong woman who loved life and lived it well....that is what I will always keep with me. I appreciate your warm review. Lydi**

[David Scott]

It was not sad for me really. It was a very calm thing... It was simple a part of life and, like you said, a stepping into a doorway. Hard to put into words. Maybe I will try to in a poem one day.

[Lydia Shutter]

I do hope you do just that.

[magenta24uk]

Blessed with your words. What a lovely and sad poem. Full of heart and love. You write beautifully, thank you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for going back a couple months to find this one! I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[tressa]

Such a fleeting moment but filled with deep memories. I like this very much. descriptive yet easy

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, tressa. Lydi**

[Rossen]

Now she is in this, softly spoken poetry " like a bird poised
to take flight" the good energy from this Art starts a new...

Rossen

[Lydia Shutter]

Such a comforting review from you, Rossen. thank you very much. Lydi**

[Sundownsam]

Very nice flow, made me think of my mother and made me post a life experience poem day before she departed. Again, well written, touching and bringing about memories. A kiss on the cheek for posting this truth.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Sam. I think anyone who has watched a loved one leave this earth can identify with what they go through before. I am sure you miss your mother and that you were a good son.....it is evident. Lydi**

[Sundownsam]

I agree, but it was pleasing to my heart seeing her gracefully leaving.

[Antoñyo]

A bittersweet read that overrides the consequences ... enjoyed it thoroughly!

Thanks for sharing a part of you

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Antonyo...you are so kind. Lydi**

[emmamalapo]

i feel sorry for your great loss... continue writing for His glory

[Lydia Shutter]

thank you for your compassionate review. Lydi**

[Beccy]

There is a great comfort in this lovely poem. Death is after all, simply a journey to the next level.

Beccy.

[Lydia Shutter]

How true. Thank you, Beccy. Lydi**

[s y e]

This is absolutely f a n t a s t i q u e!

I loved it so, so much, I loved the whole poem as a whole, this is m a g n i f i q u e ! :))

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Sye.....have a great weekend. Lydi**

[Baby Ricochet]

Wow. What a beautiful dedication.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much. Lydi**