My search for a poem for this week was very short; as soon as I happened upon “After a Death,” by Swedish poet Tomas Transtromer, I knew I was hooked. The poem is short (and translated into English, by Robert Bly), but its images are so poignant that it seems perfectly self-contained:
Once there was a shock
All successes in life, especially when adapting to the death of our loved ones, depends on the quality of our inner life. The quality of that mindset directly depends on the beliefs, thoughts, choices, experiences, and commitment we generate to face the numerous changes that the absence of our loved ones brings.
Empathy is having the ability to recognize and share the feelings of another person. It's what allows us as humans to have compassion for those who are suffering. Because we have empathy, we can recognize when a person is grieving and express our sympathy appropriately. However, some situations are easier to be empathetic about than others. Sometimes it seems like our life experiences are so far removed from those of the person grieving, that it's hard to conger up these feelings of empathy.
A reader writes: My brother and I were like twins growing up: 14 months apart and inseparable. When I was 25 and he was 26, he died of cancer.
There is something safe about staying where we are. When I was a child my mother always told me to “stay put” if I got separated from her. She would then find me. The few times I found myself lost as a child I would do what she said and wait knowing that my mother would come to me. It was very safe to "stay put" when I was lost.
Wedding Bliss – The Mother of the Bride…ALMOST
Confucius (551-497 B.C.E.), the great Chinese philosopher, is known for his high moral values as taught through his famous aphorisms. Who among us hasn't heard, or most likely in jest said; "Confucius say..."
Reportedly, he was once asked, "What are the most important virtues for leading a successful, moral, and fulfilling life?" His answer leads me to believe that he knew some good Funeral Directors, because what he said describes their qualities. In his customary brevity, he said the most important virtues were; humility, compassion, patience, and detachment.
Listening Not Knowing What to Say
Silence today, is a rare valued presence to possess,
Those who are able to practice it will be truly blessed.
For in the season of sufferings and in healing solitude
There will be many who’ll need this blessing from you.
Just listening to the afflicted in pain is plenteous to bear
Yesterday was Mother’s Day, and whether you were fortunate enough to get to spend time with yours or were perhaps laying flowers on her grave, I hope you took the time to appreciate her somehow. While SevenPonds paid tribute to departed mothers on the holiday, today I’m looking at a poem from a mother’s point of view.
Your Mother is Always With You
- Anonymous
