lingers that day

bereft of feelings yet- eyes closed, sight unwanted,  screams breach, birthing

pinched noses, chins aching

Mclain organ thunders, congregation stand, children cower, lilies fade

tears dilute choirstalls

local paper headlines editorial hidden within, two names mentioned with

silent respect an' more

time passes as she does, yet lives forever in stone, aching hearts. morbid

with future emptiness

her hands settle 'pon family's shoulders fingers a'tremble, softly speaking, 

'Am with you, my darlings'

service ' ended, wake ahead, we stand slowly an' with village community's 

crumbling hearts falling

such is life in the shadows time for the memories, creaks the kirk's oak door

not one gleam laughs

along the sullen loch-side cars park, empty of life, cigarette-ends in gutters

yet warmth curls from our chimneys 

there - where later, glassware will awaken mouths to smile an' hands to stroke

shoulders, fingers gently squeezing 

here - playing the air with laughter an' her words echo from the past into an

endless dawn resting in a glorious shadow

Reviews

[D. Mansfield]

First off , I'm very sorry for your loss, even if it was only on paper, but I doubt that. The depth of feeling in this can't be conjured on a whim. This was loss. An ending, that carefully disguised anything positive that may come from it. Your suffering bleeds through while you try to mask it, to save the feelings of those around you from more hurt. I am a weak human, I avoid funerals, to the point of embarrassment. They ruin me, for months. Great writing

[emmajoygreen]

Surely, we can't avoid a funeral of a family member or close friend or, indeed a person who lives in the same village or wherever? Is a show of respect and in many cases, love. Going to funerals can hurt like hell but better that or have someone die and put away without thought of empathy. Do unto others as.. ..

[Michael Sun Bear]

Ah Emma Joy, I am in my seventh decade so have been through the experiences you describe several times. I found your poem so well written, so touching, and so illuminated with the small, yet so meaningful, individual gestures of grief, of communal mourning. Well done my friend.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, sir. We celebrate birth and - surely, should celebrate a person's past being however and whenever we wish to.

[Thomas W Case]

You hold grief like a steady flame, letting it bleed through stone and smoke.
Even in sorrow’s shadow, warmth threads its way—soft, persistent, human.

[emmajoygreen]

When we've loved or cared about someone or - as with neighbours, respected them, surely one should show how or at the least - acknowledged their being before the long sleep?

[Einstein Noodle]

did a bit of a search for Mclain Church, funeral home, town .. but didn't shed more light on my understanding. doesn't really matter tho .. your poem captures a depth of grief and loss that any who have lived long enough relate too well. i especially appreciate the scene setting and emotive qualities of your poem. thanks for sharing dear friend
E.

[emmajoygreen]

Sir Noodle, you always leave such thoughtful and generous reviews! In this instance and always: 'many thank yous' flying your way, carrying smiles, hope and happiness.

[Lorry]

It is during such times when we realise that despite how long a moment can linger, that we only truly realise how short a life can be.
Times when thoughts of a book never to be finished or a smile that will only ever be seen in our minds again can compress itself yet expand into everything at the same time.
Your words here even seem to be needed to be read slower, as they were probably thout in that time diluting space that only loss can comprehend.
Tick still followed by yock but the pause between both seems to linger more than is normal or expected.
Your end line sums up that feeling perfectly. Of when moments stretch unbearably but a life can still feel like the flicking of a switch.

[emmajoygreen]

Lorry, this is such a wonderful a fine reaction - thank you so very much, dear sir. Your sense of humour keeps us happy for quite a while BUT the above is a lesson of how to think and feel someone else's mood and empathise with such an obvious aim to understand when to hold a hand that needs warmth. You have, sir.

[Lorry]

Why thank you m'lady.
Do you remember i recommended a book to you some time ago called the dictionary of obscure sorrows?
Well in that book they have a word called sonder, which is exactly what you just described. To empathise with someone, knowing that they , in their own mind are the centre of their own universe... which can melt my head a bit, especially if im standing right next to them, thinking that im the centre of my universe and they are the centre of their universe. N9 wonder the world feels like its getting smaller when were all right next to each other's centre of the universe! 😃

[Rosie E C…]

This poem heightens my senses in a good way.

It’s inviting and truly expressive towards the reader. Excellent choice in words.

I’m enjoying the emotional journey that is taking place, writing takes you everywhere and gives incredible insight.

A delightful read. I admire the heart-warming imagery throughout.

[NataliaXael]

Wow I'm having to really dig in to this, it's very thought provoking.

[Randall]

Emma, Everything remembered from a sad day, but filled with love and hope. and in the end, a gentle smile. Wonderful writing, uplifting even in the face of sadness.

Randall...

[Ken Simm.]

Excellent. No more need be said, except your descriptive powers do your elegy great service. This was hard but beautifully won.