Recently I came across this poem on my mums computer - she had saved it in a file called 'quotations'. It is based on a verse by David Harkins. The version she had saved was entitled 'he is gone'
She is gone
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on
Elizabeth
5th December 2021
On the day of Mum's funeral Jordan, a recetn writing friend of mum's, shared this poem with me. I was deeply moved by his tribute, and am very pleased to share it with you all here:
Angel Looking Down On Me
When I heard the news,
I was confused,
But then it all came to light.
I really cried,
When I heard you'd died,
Every day and every night.
Hope and happiness are all gone,
You'd been by my side for so long.
But these days are tough,
Without your love.
Whenever I need you,
Whenever I feel blue,
I know you're looking down on me.
Whenever I feel sad,
Whenever life treats me bad,
I know where you'll be.
I feel my life has no meaning,
Can't tell anyone how I'm feeling.
You'd understand what it is about,
Help me get these feelings out.
Whenever I feel pain,
Whenever life feels the same,
I know I can look up to you.
Whenever I need inspiration,
Someone to help me with this sensation,
I know that I count on you.
When life gets me down,
I know you'll be around.
When I can't get no rest,
I know you're urging me to be at my best.
You'll be an angel,
For all of heaven and Earth to see.
You'll be an angel, you'll be an angel,
An angel looking down on me.
Jordan R. Thomas
John
24th July 2021
A contribution kindly passed on by Lorraine Hayselden:
Until we meet again
In memory of our friend Mary Bennett
1934-2021.
Sadly
It’s got to be
The final curtain, Mary.
But you seem so near
Your laugh I hear
Eyes noting every detail
Flowers from your garden
Words gentle that soften
the blow of parting.
You’re still here
arrested thoughtfully
in your poetry
Lorraine Hayselden 15/06/2021
John
24th June 2021