24 lines and one cut short, almost 25
For Susan and her children with love
For Susan and her children with love
When you were a girl, you gave, were forced to give,
Even though it destroyed those days of innocence.
When you were a young woman, you gave again,
But life, without asking you, snatched away your love.
And yet you gave, as a nurse for the terminally ill,
To those who struggled with the end of their earthly story.
And then you left the desert and entered an Oasis
Where we washed each other’s souls and feet.
And then you met Rob and gave your heart and soul, and,
Within one minute, you gave the world four beautiful plants
Even though it destroyed those days of innocence.
When you were a young woman, you gave again,
But life, without asking you, snatched away your love.
And yet you gave, as a nurse for the terminally ill,
To those who struggled with the end of their earthly story.
And then you left the desert and entered an Oasis
Where we washed each other’s souls and feet.
And then you met Rob and gave your heart and soul, and,
Within one minute, you gave the world four beautiful plants
Photo: (L-R) Joshua, Justin, Susan, Amanda, and Sarah Kimes
Each of them, identical as they might have looked at first,
Developed into four dramatically different flowers:
Amanda and Sarah who found God wherever they went,
And Justin, the strong young tree on which you can lean.
Joshua grew into a wilder plant in the garden of life
Whose ivy climbed cranes and bikes without fear.
Yesterday, after midnight, unhelmed, he crashed his
Life and that of Alex his friend into an Indianwood trail
And entered a Forest to which no earthly gardener,
Not even one with the best of tools, has access.
And you, Susan, in spite of your disbelief, your tears,
Did not waver in trusting the voice from within, the voice
From above, absolutely sure that Joshua and Alex
Will live and grow in a better place, a safer place.
Developed into four dramatically different flowers:
Amanda and Sarah who found God wherever they went,
And Justin, the strong young tree on which you can lean.
Joshua grew into a wilder plant in the garden of life
Whose ivy climbed cranes and bikes without fear.
Yesterday, after midnight, unhelmed, he crashed his
Life and that of Alex his friend into an Indianwood trail
And entered a Forest to which no earthly gardener,
Not even one with the best of tools, has access.
And you, Susan, in spite of your disbelief, your tears,
Did not waver in trusting the voice from within, the voice
From above, absolutely sure that Joshua and Alex
Will live and grow in a better place, a safer place.
Forever
Henrik Eger
Henrik Eger
This poem is copyrighted. If you are interested in publishing or adapting it, please contact the author.
