The Trail of My Tears

With need we traveled here

And with great care we both played a part.

You to be tended, and

I to sit and watch.

With hope clutched tight,

I watched and prayed.

As the hourglass of time made its claim.

I knelt to pray for the angels to escort you with care,

And for grit to block all my tears.

My nerves held true as each child left.

till only I in the chapel sat.

With need I returned to you for a final goodbye.

A kiss to the head as I closed your eyes..

Then the nurse passed to me the bag of your effects.

And the weight of that bag ripped open my grief and

Bathed in tears alone I did leave.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I sat with my father, grandmother and grandfather in their last moment of life. A great sadness and a great blessing dear Cherrie.
"And the weight of that bag ripped open my grief and
Bathed in tears alone I did leave"
The above lines. I do understand and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

A beautiful goodbye... ending in grief, tears helping you to overcome the grief... pushing it out except all the memories you will hold dear.....difficult times you bear, but the light will soon shine on you...
and new beginnings will emerge....
Warmly, B

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Betty for your encouraging review 🙏

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome
Warmly
B.

[FGFRANKLIN]

I do not believe death is the end of life but the beginning of a new cycle. Birth is not the beginning of life but the end of being one with our mother. How strange we should mourn the one and cherish the other. But it is our loss we mourn, of course, on that road we all must travel eventually. My mother and father have long been gone and yet they remain with me and in me. Three brothers and a sister so far have gone before me and many close childhood friends. But their stories still live in me as mine will in my children and grandchildren after I am gone. I neither dread death nor fear it but merely accept it as part of life. But I do not believe it is the end of anything since all of nature declares otherwise by observation. I understand the pain of loss made palpable by your poem and I empathize with the universal suffering. Yet, we can't waste our own life away in mourning and I believe that would be the last thing anyone who ever loved us would want for us. But maybe we can continue to live for them and share our stories, keeping their memory alive in our warm thoughts and expression of them. I treasure every memory of my parents and share them often with my child who never got to meet any of her grandparents.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you my friend for sharing your encouraging reflection. I too do not think that death is the end. For our souls are eternal.

[retreating ghost]

This poem is so heartfelt and honest ,I am at a loss for words .I am so sorry for your loss , prayers and gentle hugs to you.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you. It was probably the mist overwhelming moment in my life. The wall to my car was a difficult thing. I truly appreciate your kind words.

[Gee]

Oh my, I just read your reply to Julie. I am so, so sorry for your loss Cherrie, my heart goes out to you and your loved ones.
Your poem, special before knowing of your loss is more so now.
Take care, hugs from the UK

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you so very much.

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my... dear Ms. Cherrie .. i am overcome with emotion .. i don't know what to say .. only that i sit here with your speaker .. in silence and open to listen .. what an incredible poem for me .. universal .. so emotive and relatable .. love love love and peace dear friend
E.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Gene.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

A beautiful poem on tragic loss
Whoever you have lost I’m so sorry for it Cherie x
Beautiful poem here

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Julie. I lost my husband to COVID last month.

[Mauricio Montoya]

This is very spiritual you make me think of the seven sisters father sky, mother earth and great spirit, your write is very insightful, some don't see the light that brought us here. Excellent work

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Mauricio

[emmajoygreen]

Hugging you gently. Your words are written with true love and immense courage, darling friend.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Emma
I'm taking each new day as it comes and the problems it seems to bring. I know me and the grandkids will find level ground.

[emmajoygreen]

Time is patient, dearling. Yet more warm but gentle hugs for you all. Plus, of course, a prayer if you need it.

[Arundass TP]

Meaningful expression. Good poem. Loved it reading.

[Cherrie L Bill]

Thank you Arundass