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.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

I'm sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family. This is an endearing piece, great tribute and display of what she meant to you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

there was a time life surged when she summoned it ... This line says so much about her... and your reverence for her. A beautiful tribute, Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Rita....she was a strong woman just like my mom who was her sister. Lydi**

[Frieda P]

Such lovely words spill'd in grief, my deepest sympathies for your loss Lydikey.

I know I left a response here last week, I think gremlins gobbled it up.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Frieda. I appreciate your compassion. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

My deepest of sympathy to you, Lydi. This is such a lovely offering of all she meant to you. What a treasure!

My best,
Kelly

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Kelly.

[Ruth]

Oh Lydi...this is so beautiful..an ode to an emotional ascension. Perfect my friend, just beautiful and felt x

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Poppy....just home from New Jersey. So much to do now. I will get back to the cafe as I can. Lydi**

[Ruth]

Welcome back love x

[Sanober]

Oh no...Lydi. I am so sorry to hear that. What makes this even more poignant..the last time i read this poem, she was alive. I know she had a special place in your heart.....she always will. May her soul rest in peace. Take care, my friend.

[Lydia Shutter]

(((Sanober)))))) Thank you my friend. Lydi**

[KWP]

A lullaby of words on a subject that most fear ... layers of comfort taking life's journey from one point to the next .. i love this

for me the only words that stopped my flow were 'inner calendar' prior to that it was picture perfect imagery, but for some reason i did a double take when i read those two words, they seemed hostile in a garden of perfection ...

forgive me, I have never commented on your poems before, I always find though that people have the opportunity of seeing through different glasses when other offer their opinions ...

i really do admire the depth within your words though ... thank you for sharing :) x x

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your opinion and the time you took to send this to me. Thank you. Lydi*

[Trace]

The story of our lives can be found in the words of our poetry.
This is such an incredibly beautiful poem.

So sorry to hear of her passing. I know she meant the world to you.

Godspeed.

Trace

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, my friend. Lydi**

[Revery]

I love all that you captured, a whole lifetime, so sweetly and so strongly in such a short stretch of verse. Beautiful and representing her spirit beautifully. Thank you for sharing.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Revery. You are kind. Lydi**

[Diana]

Seems a fitting tribute considering her encouragement of your poetry. So sweet. I'm glad it's a comfort to you, "odd" as you say, or otherwise.

What language is Tante or is it just something your family devised? I wonder because the word "tanti" in Romanian means lady...

[Lydia Shutter]

Tante is Dutch for aunt. I believe it is also that in German and in a few other languages as well. thanks for your sweet review, Diana. Lydi**