For All Saints Sunday, I shared the poem I wrote in honor of my older sister Heather, who passed away at the age of 15 due complications from a heart defect. After sharing this on Sunday morning, I've had people comment on this poem and how meaningful it was to them in the griefs they were coping with. It's my hope that the words will help you to recount and retell the stories of the loved ones that have passed on. That somehow, in grief, we can move from silence into times of tearful but joyful conversation. For my sister, I desire that her life be remembered not for her illness, but for her gentleness –
laughter – and love of God. As you read this poem written in Heather Lynn Rain's honor,
think of the Saints whose stories need to be told. Share their stories...
Yellow Leaf
This yellow leaf once was green
with promise.
It was connected, nourished, and alive.
Hints of the fall were all around: Crisp evenings, rushing winds, and shorter days.
Hints of the fall were all around: Crisp evenings, rushing winds, and shorter days.
But this yellow leaf fell in silence.
There was no sound as she surrendered
to the swirling water.
Her story was not collected, heaped up or leaped into.
She twirled, calmly, quietly and
silently; so as not to cause a stir on the surface.
But the space she left behind was deep,
wide, and shouted of her absence.
Yellow leaf had curly raven hair, ice
blue eyes, fair skin and freckles - that showed themselves when you stood close.
Silence should not claim your life.
So
today, I share your story and the dream of our goodbye
that gave me hope
to keep on living.
Yellow leaf, no more will you
float in silence.
You should dance on the wind, swirl dramatically into your favorite wood, and be swept up over and over again: for leaping, laughter and your loud, love of life.
Copyright 2019 TLEastman
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