When I am dead and nervous hands have thrust
My body downward into careless dust;
I think the grave cannot suffice to hold
My spirit 'prisoned in the sunless mold!
Some subtle memory of you shall be
A resurrection of the life of me.
Yea, I shall be, because I love you so,
The speechless spirit of all things that grow.
You shall not touch a flower but it shall be
Like a caress upon the cheek of me.
I shall be patient in the common grass,
That I may feel your foot fall when you pass.
I shall be kind as rain and pure as dew,
A loving spirit 'round the life of you.
When your soft cheeks by perfumed winds
are fanned,
'Twill be my kiss ~ and you will understand.
But when some sultry, storm bleared sun has set,
I will be lightning if you dare forget.
~John G Neihandt
15 comments:
A truly amazing and emotive poem from such a spiritual poet.
Thank you for sharing with us.
I've never read that...thank you.
H'lo Nomad. What a beautiful poem. Such an understanding that is so sympathetic with the cultural perspectives that can sift earth through heir fingers and realize they hold grandfather, and all ascendants. May you be blessed with such a love in this lifetime that it carries forward into eternity.
Hello everybody, I'm so pleased you like the poem. It's one that's held meaning for me for quite awhile. I attended a funeral of a long time family friend this past Friday. She was 94. The whole event got me to thinking of memory and what is left when one passes on...how they continue, even in death, to affect us and our lives.
Fool, thank you for your lovely wishes. I hope that you too are so richly blessed.
oh my word. what a beautiful poem. I'm going to save it. and remember.xoxo
Beautiful. Thank you.
JBelle, I'm thrilled you like the poem. It is a lovely reminder to remember.
A beautiful and intriguing poem, Carla. Thank you for sharing it.
A poem on a related theme that I love is "Do not go gently into that good night" by Dylan Thomas. I recommend it if you do not know it.
I wish you a fine Tuesday evening.
That is really beautiful...thanks for sharing.
Wow, this is great. Thanks for posting it.
Toby, Thanks for stopping by.
Winters, Thanks for the recommendation. I shall definitely have a read when I get a moment. And a fine evening to you too.
Jillie, Melissavina, I am so glad you enjoyed.
I just had to return to read once again this beautiful and thought provoking poem - again.
Treasured are the memories of those we hold so very dear in our heart.
Thank you so very much for sharing.
Peter
Very beautiful poem,Carla!
Peter, Very true indeed...about memories being tresured. I certainly treasure mine.
Steffi, I am glad that you enjoyed the poem.
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