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.

[Carl Drake Barnard]

Really awesome poem,I could feel the emotion in this well done :)

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Mr Alednac]

I'm sorry for you loss. This is a very beautiful poem with magical imagery of the bird taking flight, unafraid. Excellent poetry.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much. Lydi**

[Brittany Zedalis]

This is so moving. Very good job.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Brittany. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this is a beautiful tribute to your aunt Tante..."like tears / words spill into my poem"

lovely image...but so sad.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks, Jacob. "Tante" is how we say "Aunt" in Dutch. Lydi**

[Cassie]

This is sad, May you auntie(Tante Freddy) Rest peacefully, I know in spirit she has read this one and is proud of you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Cassie. You are a sweetie. Lydi**

[paddy d daly]

sorry to hear of your loss, your poem is a wonderful tribute to your aunt and also to the encouragement she gave to you, may she rest in peace.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Paddy. Lydi**

[paddy d daly]

you are welcome, lydia,

[JenniferMarie]

Beautiful, well written poem. It made me think of my Grandma.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much. Lydi**

[JenniferMarie]

You're welcome. You really captured the moment in a beautiful way and it was moving. I'm happy to read and reivew.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi... the windmills of your
heart turn to memories of tulips
and melodies. A bird poised for
flight tethered to a star that will
always shine like a lantern
showing the way. truly... Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

My sweet Pat. Thank you so much. lydi**

[Karen]

This is a beautiful homage to your aunt since words last longer than flowers can ever last, and they leave an imprint not only for the person you dedicate it to, but to all who read it and are moved by your poem. Thank you for sharing this tender moment with us, and may you too rest in the knowledge that she "wrote the final page of her story."

[Lydia Shutter]

What a heartfelt review you have left for me. I thank you very much. Lydi**

[redzone]

((((LYDI))))) and she will always be alive in the poetry you write Lydi... her life, and her love will live in that pen of yours "write Lydi! I need another poem Lydi! The world is so much better when you write!!" and of course she will be right and we will get to know her through you.. Sorry for you loss Lydi sending you my love. and best wishes. Curt

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Curt. Lydi**