While You Were Dying

February 5, 2012 by still a dreamer

In Memory of Kathy – 1/31/1942 – 2/2/2012

While you were dying,
my wings were open.
the empty breeze whistled through,
an exhalation of sorrow,
and I, half frozen,
watched the clouds, the rain, the moon
go by for days.
They took no notice of me
hovering in place.

I fed the cats and swept the stairs
Got the mail, ran laundry through
Got dishes washed, paid the bills
Answered e-mails, watched TV,
All while you were dying.

Though miles away
I held you close and we
laughed at life
in all its beauty and contrariness.
Why should now be different?
I watched your angels
light the way,
knowing
their wings would soon enfold you.
I held my breath
while you were gently dying.

And then …

A light within the light.
Unanticipated joy.
You, luminous.
And me,
Wings beating,
Soaring
in love,
remembering,
and remembering,
dear friend,
that you
were never dying.

Jeanne Balsam
February 3, 2012

Posted in Inspiration, Life, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged angels, death, dying, friendship, In Memory | 4 Comments

4 Responses

on February 6, 2012 at 5:09 am Felicia

Very lovely, Jeanne.

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- on February 6, 2012 at 9:23 am stilladreamer
  
  Thanks, Felish.
  
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on February 6, 2012 at 7:30 am Patricia Koelmel

Beautiful, Jeanne, just beautiful. Reading it brought me to tears, tears for the passing of your beloved friend Kathy, but also for the pure beauty of the friendship that you shared with her.

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- on February 6, 2012 at 9:25 am stilladreamer
  
  Thank you. It was indeed a beautiful relationship that brought so much love, strength and sharing over the years.
  
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