Release

lillian

Embrace the darkness, my dear,
keep hold my hand.
Listen to the quiet.
Many have come before you,
many shall follow.
Breathe slowly, slower still,
until your body dissipates.
Darkness will become light
as we soar into the cosmos
feeling peace among the stars.

universe-1282375_1920

Written for dVerse, for both Monday’s quadrille (poem of exactly 44 words, sans title) which required the word “keep” and today’s Poetics which asks us to write in someway about black/darkness. Photo from pixabay.com

41 thoughts on “Release”

  1. kanzensakura November 5, 2019 / 12:23 pm

    I looked for this on Mr Linky on dVerse and could not find it. A most satisfying poem. Sadly tbis brings to mind the day I told Mama it was okay to let go abd release her spirit. A beautiful write.

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    • lillian November 5, 2019 / 3:13 pm

      Thank you, Toni. I was traveling so missed Kim’s quadrille with “keep” so just posted it to today’s Tuesday Poetics with HA — to deal with black – I interpreted it as darkness. Glad you enjoyed this and yes….that’s exactly as I felt with my mother as she died. I held her hand, bent so close to her ear, her eyes closed and in the darkness and told her to go to the light. I understand. It truly is giving the okay for them to leave. So very hard.

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  2. anmol(alias HA) November 5, 2019 / 3:13 pm

    Embracing the darkness can be good, especially when you have some company to explore its depths. A lovely verse! I like the idea of dissipating and finding peace among the stars. 🙂

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  3. Carol J Forrester November 5, 2019 / 3:17 pm

    The second time I read this, so much more jumped out. That sense of slowly and coming apart is just lovely.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:29 pm

      Thank you, Carol. Your words are truly appreciated here.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:30 pm

      Late to my replies….but thank you so very much, Linda. Your words are truly appreciated!

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:30 pm

      I like to think we depart into a brightly lit cosmos…..and reside forever among the stars.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:32 pm

      I agree…..Even though I was with my mother when she died, holding her hand, bending down saying into her ear, “Go to the light mom. Look for dad there.” — I do think that ultimately we each must face death alone. I wish it were not so….I wish to have someone’s hand holding ours and helping us in the transition. I hope I did that even the tiniest bit form my mum.

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  8. Rob Kistner November 5, 2019 / 4:54 pm

    This lifted me and carried me away Lillian, quite captivating!

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:32 pm

      Thank you, Rob. Very kind words you’ve written indeed.

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  9. Glenn A. Buttkus November 5, 2019 / 5:19 pm

    Those near-death experiences teach us that a companion awaits. We slide in alone, but go out accompanied–your poem to God’s ear.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:33 pm

      What wonderful words you’ve replied with here, Glenn. Thank you.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:33 pm

      Thank you, Frank. I like to think there is light in death.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:34 pm

      Me too. I much prefer the idea of death as a lightening and brightening rather than a darkness.

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      • rothpoetry November 12, 2019 / 6:17 pm

        Yes, a much better end result!

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  13. kim881 November 6, 2019 / 3:13 am

    A lovely combination of the two prompts, Lill, and a poignant response. It reminded me of holding my mum’s hand the day before she passed. I love the ending lines so much – I hope that is what happens.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:35 pm

      I too held my mother’s hand as she lie dying….I leaned over and whispered into her ear, “Go to the light mom. I’m sure dad is waiting for you there. Find the light.” I truly hope death is a moving into the brightness of the cosmos rather than a descending into darkness.

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  14. rivrvlogr November 6, 2019 / 9:54 am

    The strength of this is in the company, a connectedness to the end.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:36 pm

      Yes. And I like to think of a “handing off” to a dear one’s waiting hand across the divide as well.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:36 pm

      Thank you for your words, Mary.

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  17. Beverly Crawford November 7, 2019 / 1:03 pm

    What a lovely portrayal of the final journey. Beautifully written!

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:37 pm

      Thank you, Beverly. Let it be so.

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  18. Frank J. Tassone November 7, 2019 / 5:04 pm

    It’s like listening to the counsel of the Spirit as we surrender our last breath. Beautiful and comforting, even when facing the black! Bravo!

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:37 pm

      Thank you, Frank. I prefer to think the darkness does indeed turn to light as we transition.

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    • lillian November 12, 2019 / 3:38 pm

      Thank you! I definitely need a cup of hot cocoa and a good poem or book to curl up with right now….it is cold and dreary outside my window here in Boston! 😦

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