The passing

 

You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

(James 4:14)

For the Grieving

(by R.P.Edwads)

Here

Then gone

And tears for known

A life entwined

But now alone

And grief our portion

It fills "your" time

A violent void

In heart and mind...

It's called a "viewing" or "visitation." A gathering of those who knew the deceased in some form or fashion and want to offer a bit of comfort to the immediate family. It's a way of dealing with the unpleasantness of death. A needful punctuation I think.

When I began this blog a short time ago I had gone to a "visitation." I had known the deceased from years before and there was a connection there; albeit decades had passed. I went through the line; viewed some memorabilia and gave a hug and some inadequate words to family.

Well, since "that" visitation a more intimate loved one has died. This too will end in a much deserved ceremony of conclusion.

Here's the gist: this life, the one embodied in this squishy flesh, is a short one. BUT, I am convinced that there is a "life" within us that travels on. That "life's" preservation is assured when attached to the Creator who went to a cross. 

The poem continues:

...But don't weep for long

Let your tears be few

For your loved one lives

Where all things are new

And the arms that cradle

Your dear one there

They hold "you" now

And your burdens bear

****

A couple songs are included (above and here). They have to do with grieving and the remedy.

The Tailwind

 

The Tailwind

(by R.P.Edwards)

The tailwind "there"

Or tailwind "back"

One be tight

The other slack

So, if I had my druthers 

Which one to track

I'd rather have

The tailwind "back"...

It usually goes with little notice; the waving of the flags. But to those of us with wind-affected craft (in my case, a bicycle) it could mean much. From the windchill to the effort needed to traverse home, a few miles per hour makes a difference. And thus the tailwind (pushing you towards your destination) or headwind (pushing against your efforts) are a part of life.

Nothing terribly deep here. In the "going" there is sometimes struggle, or ease. And, of course, "struggle" produces endurance and experience. And ease can bring an illusionary "rest," if not balanced with the other.

So, since many of you are well acquainted with "struggle," may tailwinds be yours in greater frequency. AND, when others see the collective "we" come into the room, may they expect a delightful tailwind to ease their delicate stay on this earth.

The poem continues...

...For going, verve is on my side

Muscles ready

Born to ride

But with the struggle

The weary tack

Towards home I'd druther

The tailwind back.

PS The flags in the photo above are outside the city hall of Granite City Illinois.  This town has an interesting history which was birthed by the need for reliable steel. A song and video was inspired by the journey of the up and coming metropolis. Thus: