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.

[Listmaker]

Very touching. Beautifully sad yet celebratory. I especially appreciate how you made something as taboo as death seem lovely and natural. You packed a lot into a small poem just like your aunt packed a lot into her life.

[Lydia Shutter]

What a lovely thing to say. Thank you. Lydi**

[justjenn_2u]

Beautiful. I admire you can write with a clear head. I am not the clear headed poet. I write with a muse of trouble. You write about brightness. Not many do anymore.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much. lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

You have my deepest condolences, Lydi.

like tears
words now spill into my poem

A truly inspirational way to end your beautiful tribute to someone who meant a very great deal to you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Joyce. Lydi*

[Stella Armour]

she sounds like she was an amazing lady and knew it was her time to go, you must be very happy that she touched your life with such love

[Lydia Shutter]

thanks, Stella. She was a very special person indeed. Lydi**

[Bri]

Beautiful. This piece is amazing. I love how you've written it so eloquently and so complex. Well done. Rest in peace Tante Freddy.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much for your sweet comments. Lydi**

[Tate Morgan]

It is always painful to watch the fading of a soul we revere . I take some comfort in them not suffering any more and hope that is enough

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, that is the thing I hold onto....she is out of pain and at peace. Thank you, Tate. Lydi**

[Tate Morgan]

You are welcome

[MsJewel]

This is such a beautiful dedication...filled with love Lydi. I know how close you were and I'm so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could say something to comfort you - but perhaps down the road you will find comfort in the beautiful poetry that spills from your golden pen. Please take care of yourself, dear friend and know you are in my thoughts.

Hugs, Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Julie. Yes, you know she was a very big part of my life always.....and the hole her passing leaves will not be filled easily or perhaps ever. Writing always helps. Lydi**

[NeiL ArandA]

This is a heartfelt piece dedicated to someone very dear and special to your heart. And I'm so glad that you penned and shared this piece to us. I'm sure she will always be remembered and never be forgotten. There's an old saying that in every " Expression " deepens the " Impression " in our hearts. And I'm pretty sure that she had impressed something in your heart. And there could be no better way of expressing it back through poetry. Splendid write Ms Lydia ... sorry we lost touch for a while ...

[Lydia Shutter]

Hi Neil, thank you so much for your warm and wonderful review. Yes, my aunt was a special lady and was with me throughout my life. Lydi**

[NeiL ArandA]

My sincerest sympathy Ms Lydia ...i know its hard and sorrowful sometimes .

[emmajoy]

' but tonight she was like a bird poised ~ to take flight.. ' Birds know these things. (You)

You've truly touched a chord; truly shown respect, Lydi.. your words are more than .. they're your heart personified. She must have been a wonderful woman, your Tante. Blessings on you and her, love.

[Lydia Shutter]

She was like my second mom....my mother's sister. Thank you so much, Emma. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

She was and always will be a very precious lady.. Think of her with smiles around your heart

[Lyn Anderson]

This is a heartfelt, beautiful memorial poem. Solace in death sometimes, but always grief, no matter how well the life lived, when someone dear is lost.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much. Lydi**