Joy's poem

[Diane]

This was written by my cousin, Joy, who died recently. She wrote it for her beautiful daughters, when it was clear that her illness was terminal. It was read out for the first time at her funeral.

To My Children

Often when we've disagreed I've
softly kissed your foreheads
as you sleep.

The bothers of the day
discarded like your crumpled clothes
upon the floor.

The upturned box of books and pens
and plate of crumbs
now make me smile.

No longer do I chide, but tell
unhearing ears the truth:
You are so beautiful.

Many things remain unheard,
unsaid. Too fragile for the daylight
where they fade.

I know the day that spans
my life is at an end, my turn
has come, to sleep.

And as the day is stripped
away, you'll wish I'd wake just once
to hear you say

The unsaid words that underlie
our every deed, because we love.
I understand.

I have already heard your silent
words, and hope, my sweetest loves,
that you heard mine.

[Boss]

Dear Diane,

What can one say? I hope Joy's daughters draw strength from her beautiful words. Bless them.

Take it easy

Adam

[John K.]

This is so beautiful.

I'm crying.

Thank you for sharing this poem.

John

[Tchocolatl]

I second that John,

I have tears in my eyes too. It is deeply touching. Deeply. Those are words out of real Love.

We may depart but the love we have once shared lives for ever, always.

So sad and so beautiful in the same time.

[Ali]

It is such a fabulous gift Joy left for her Children, a peice of her soul, to give her Family comfort and help ease the pain of her passing.
Thank you for sharing this here Diane.
(((((((HUGS))))))

[LaurieAK]

Diane~

This is beautiful. To distill what must be a hurricane of emotions into a simple poem with no melodrama, despite the reality of the real drama. It is lovely and heartbreaking in the circumstances.

My condolences for your loss, Diane.

Laurie

[Diane]

Thank You, Boss, John K, Tchoc, Ali and Laurie and those who PM'd for your beautiful words. Your understanding means a lot to me.

Love,

Diane

[margaret]

Diane,

I only just saw this. My thoughts are with you and with Joy's family.

[Snow (retired)]

Diane shared a poem by her late cousin:
>To My Children . . .

A very touching, very powerful piece of writing. Remarkable, talented and courageous lady. Thank you, Diane.

Geoffrey

[mickey_one]

Hi Diane, you have told me elsewhere how much you loved Joy. Thanks you for sharing with us her wonderful testament to her children

michael

[Diane]

Margaret, Geoffrey, Michael, thank you so much.

I have just read through this thread again. I am always moved to tears when I read Joy's poem, and now I am moved to more tears by the comments everyone has made about it here.

Love,

Diane