Like Tears

Rest in Peace, Tante Freddy

"A Pretty Row" photography courtesy of betterphoto.com

She was about to open the door
into another world
yet she wrote the final page of her story
frail hands shaking with destiny
there was a time life surged when she summoned it
a time when tulips bloomed
and organs played lilting melodies
but tonight she was like a bird poised
to take flight
at precisely the moment
her inner calendar dictated
she flew -- unafraid
I take odd comfort in knowing
this is what she wanted
like tears
words now spill into my poem

Author's Note

After I spoke with my Tante (aunt) for what I felt would be the last time, I wrote this poem. She always loved my poetry and encouraged me to continue writing. I will miss her always. Rest in peace, Tante Freddy.

Reviews

[David Scott]

I have held the hands of many patients dying in the hospital when I was a child.
It changed me forever. Some times in my life I have forgotten the lessons I learned holding those frail fingers. Thank you for reminding me how precious a life is and how beautiful a passing can be when a life was well lived.
I'm feeling a rush of emotion as I type Lydi...
So many dear memories...
You have honored your friend well. I can almost hear her playing her music too.

[Lydia Shutter]

Tante was my aunt, David....my mom's sister. "Tante" is the Dutch word for "aunt" and my whole family is from Amsterdam. How sad you saw death firsthand when you were a child. Of course it changed you. How could it not? My aunt was a strong woman who loved life and lived it well....that is what I will always keep with me. I appreciate your warm review. Lydi**

[David Scott]

It was not sad for me really. It was a very calm thing... It was simple a part of life and, like you said, a stepping into a doorway. Hard to put into words. Maybe I will try to in a poem one day.

[Lydia Shutter]

I do hope you do just that.

[Jack...]

Lydi, this is so heartbreaking and so heart touching...this is absolutelty one of the most beautiful poems I have read. I am going to leave it at that.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, my friend. I appreciate you. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

"tulips bloomed
and organs played lilting melodies
but tonight she was like a bird poised
to take flight"

Sorry for your loss. She must have been so special in your life for you to dedicate this wonderful poem for her. I like how you compared her soul to a bird ready to take flight...Excellent...:)...........

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, Sami, she was like my second mother. Thank you. Lydi**

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. You are welcome humbly...:)...............................