The Funeral
by Elouise
Sitting near the back row
Like a spectator at a show
I didn’t want to see just now
I look on wondering
How soon my short time
On this weary earth be over
The atmosphere is charged
With memories and the beauty
Of one man’s life well lived
As the world slowly fell apart
At its seams spilling the life
We’re called to nurture
I wonder what today’s generation
Feels as stalwart towers of
Strength and kindness crumble
Under the indignities of old age
And aching desires for more than
This world can possibly offer
What we have done we may never
Know with this exception that
Life as we thought it would be
has often become a race for fame
and glory if even for one minute
on an electronic device or poster
The distance from this life to the next
Is less than a heartbeat or breath away
With or without fanfare or our
Determined attempts to impact
This world saturated with lonely
Children and teens and aging adults
The most telling marks are made
By everyday giants who know how to
Listen and love and wait patiently
For vines to ripen and grapes to fall
Into the hands and hearts of lonely
Human beings looking for a friend
Thoughts after attending today’s funeral service for one of our church friends. Born in 1934, Harold knew how to listen, wait, and keep showing up to do whatever needed to be done. Always without fanfare.
© Elouise Renich Fraser, 25 August 2021
Photo of table grapes found at growingproduce.com
Telling the Truth 
death is not an ending, it is for those left alive, but for the soul, it’s the start of a new journey, amen
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Yes, one of those mixed emotion moments, from this side of death.
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better than you think; our actions today can help the journey of the soul after the passing, so says the prophets,amen
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Hi, bwcarey. I find myself helped in this journey by the soul of my sister Diane who died of ALS. It seems to me there’s room for both perspectives. I also think our current selves can help others make the passage between this life and death. Have you read George MacDonald’s novel, Lilith? Here’s a short link to a small review I posted in 2016: https://wp.me/p32tHJ-4FZ.
Elouise
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The Spirit is eternal, amen
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Indeed.
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Lilith! One of my favorites!
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Hi, dw! I loved it–even though it’s a mind-bending read. It took two times through (separated by several years) to feel semi-comfortable in the ‘skin’ of this novel.
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I know what you mean! It’s one of the strangest stories I’ve ever read, but also profound.
Have you read Phantastes? A much earlier writing and just as strange. It came bundled with Lilith in the edition I bought way back in the 70s.
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We also bought the bundled edition. I don’t remember reading Phantastes. We now have separate versions of the two novels. George MacDonald is one of my favorite authors when it comes to imagining a different kind of world.
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Dear Elouise, What a beautiful reflection on Harold’s service (and life). It was a quiet life, in many ways, and yet, attractive in the ways the “glory seekers” wish their lives were, and try to make them be…
Life is so precious. If only we were aware of that every moment, and lived accordingly – seems to me that you are pretty skilled at that ongoing awareness, lament for missing it, and appreciation for it, and then you share from your growing awareness with the rest of us, and we all benefit.
Thank you!
And in every moment of this and all the days to come, may you be infused with the peace that comes as a gift, from the Giver of all good gifts.
With gratitude for you, and hope for us all, Debbie
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Thank you, Debbie. Yes, I’m definitely in a different place than I was just months ago. Thanks for your support and prayers. I have yet another (new) doctor to see in the middle of September. It seems light-years away. In the meantime, life goes on as it is, one day and one night at a time. I’m so grateful I was able to make it to Harold’s service yesterday. It was quiet, thoughtful, and filled with gratitude for his quiet life of spectacular service.
Elouise
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A beautiful, thoughtful, relatable, wise poem. I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your friend Harold. It sounds like he left a beautiful legacy of love, friendship, good deeds, and so much more. He goes on before us and will be one of many who greet us someday when we arrive. 🙂
We never know if we have a few more hours, days, months, or years…so we must live today trying to encourage and help others. You do that so beautifully, Elouise, in your words, writings, photos, poems, etc. 🙂 Thank you!
(((HUGS))) ❤
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Thank you, dear Carolyn. Tears are plentiful these days–both the happy and sad kind. I’m most grateful for your prayers, hugs, and understanding.
Elouise 🙂 (Yes, I’m still smiling! And sending hugs right back to you.)
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Okay Elouise. First I am sorry I haven’t been checking in on you lately but somehow or other I haven’t been getting notifications.
Anyway I want to comment on a few lines you wrote;
. . . stalwart towers of
Strength and kindness crumble
Under the indignities of old age.
Can I just say that since I started reading your blog about 150 years ago I do not believe that your strength and kindness will crumble whether there are some indignities of old age and I should know. I want to also say that for all the time we have read each other’s posts your cyber-friendship has been most valuable.
Lots of love from Australia.
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Dear John,
I’m so glad you found me last week and way back then, when I wasn’t even sure what I was doing as a blogger! I’m grateful you found this post and left this comment. You’re one of several blogging friends dealing with difficult life challenges. From my perspective, you’ve got what I call gumption. A way of getting through tough times and turning them into something beautiful, or at least an occasion to become even more creative! When I grow up, I want to be just like that, though not too grown up to see the world through the eyes of a child.
Lots of love right back from me,
Elouise
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Sending hugs. Condolences for the loss of Harold.
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