For This Life and the Life to Come

I play the waiting game and like the child
with Christmas just beyond,
my anticipation grows--I see the rustling
just beyond the curtain as it sets itself
for lifting, certain that it knows
reality beyond our common dreams--
such peace that we could only wish for.

There they lie, underneath
our dome of disappearing skies
which serve us only with caprice.

No, I am not prepared.  The present stage
is mystery enough; fatigue betrays
insight as I retreat into the night.
Age is my ally--the life awaiting me descends--
enlightenment is bourne upon my weakness
and upon transcendent death
that leads me forth.

 

My move. It is with trembling hands and feet
that I am able, finally, to make my way
across the foot-smooth path bequeathed me
by the ones ahead who stand in welcome now.
I see them in the Mothering Light that bathes
my passage home. In them I see refreshment.
I hear the timeless music sung by every waterfall
that I had ever left in haste. 
I tasted joy and sorrow once again,
and saw that they were good.

 

It is forever that we share,
and we may celebrate it in reflection.
Come along!  It is provided, and
there is no price, for time has disappeared.
The shadows fall away, conflict dies, denial
unremembered. The day is new and morning smiles
as truth alone prevails.
             ~

 

 

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

This is the pen of an extraordinary poet...

"It is with trembling hands and feet
that I am able, finally, to make my way
across the foot-smooth path bequeathed me
by the ones ahead who stand in welcome now.
I see them in the Mothering Light that bathes
my passage home. In them I see refreshment.
I hear the timeless music sung by every waterfall
that I had ever left in haste."

The weight of your words is like snow on the branches of trees, Dean. And it leaves me breathless!

My best,
Kelly

[Dean]

As always, your reading pleases me, as do your affectionate expressions of approval. I quail at the thought of being extraordinary, but am deeply grateful for your support.

[emmajoy]

' .. see them in the Mothering Light that bathes ~ my passage home. ~ In them I see refreshment. ~ I hear the timeless music sung by every waterfall ~ that I had ever left in haste. '

This seems such a long way ahead for me, but, having lost two sisters, who knows, who knows when. Your poem has a very special touch, it's like a hug being given to invited listeners and readers, saying - in your usual superb language - that what's ahead can''t be defeated. Instead take life step by step, noticing what needs to be seen, accepting the changes in self and life. This wonderful poem is, to me, a calm recognition of how one's thoughts turn inside out, yet, in the best order then prepare to fly into the brightest sky. Perhaps

[Dean]

Consider yourself one of the "invited listeners." And, thank you for this. I'm glad we have not lost touch.

[emmajoy]

Why should we lose touch?! I very much appreciate your writing, Dean.

[Dean]

And you know that I am very fond of yours.

[emmajoy]

Thank you, Dean

[Tom]

As we grow older, naturally we all become more conscious of our own mortality. This reflective poem conveys a person at peace with their inner self, contentment of a life well lived, accepting of the inevitability of their gradual demise without fear, regret or remorse and this is to be applauded. Indeed, others gone before await in a bright light to welcome, when indeed that time arrives and this adds to the noble magnitude of this eloquent read!

Tranquilly, beautiful Dean !

[Dean]

Thank you, sir/

[Tom]

You're welcome Dean !

[Marie]

I am ot ready to travel past this life; not ready even to think of it...or even hear the rustling f the curtain...

[Dean]

when you are...you will know.

[TL Boehm]

I see the rustling
just beyond the curtain as it sets itself
for lifting, certain that it knows
reality beyond our common dreams--
OH that's poetry. I love the flavor of this, the tone of it as much as I love the meaning. You have a distinct voice in this piece, the words chosen carefully "every waterfall that I had ever left in haste "
beautifully penned

[Dean]

It was a hard one to say all that I wanted. Thank you for the encouragement

[Ken Simm.]

Moving towards the inevitable with a soulful dignity. In all ways this is a dignified write. In word choice, in subject and in flow. A pen script on parchment of a write in fact. This almost divorces itself from the technology it is written on and demands long hand. And for that I enjoy it in all its gravitas, even more.

[Dean]

Thank you, Ken

[J. J. Nightingale]

Some crave to know what lives beyond the light
They choose an early departure ..
I am on the edge of fear, and my heart, hands, and feet betray me
Still .. I am not ready to travel on/over
Each moment is full with the tingle and taste of being
Lessened only by my minds refusal to appreciate, and to dream ..

Just my take ... Yours, touched places of the heart, and soul ...

Thank you Dean... Jazz

[Dean]

Thank you very much

[J. J. Nightingale]

:) ....................... ♥

[Dean]

Don't know if it will work for you, but for me the easiest to feel ready, is not to think at all.

[J. J. Nightingale]

I am not quite there Dean ... But, I hear you !