She Left Gracefully

This was written just after my much loved Auntie Mary died two and a half years ago and I have tried to sum up her life in prose....

You are etched in my memory,

Straight-backed, tall

With pearl white hair, that no nonsense look,

Strong, like the iron will inside

 

But sometimes caught unawares, your face

It would soften, shoulders heave and shake,

A mischievous twinkle be found in those eyes,

As laughter fell out of your mouth with gusto

 

You had your quirks and flaws, the subject

Of many jokes, and friendly banter,

You bore them all, with a secret smile,

Never a dull moment in your presence

 

Many were touched by your life’s brightness,

Comforted and cared for in your straight forward way,

None will forget those small little kindnesses

Results of a faith as strong as your will

 

Finally it came when you’d run your race

And you were gently being bidden to come home,

Time to leave those who so loved you

To suffer no more and be whole

 

So the lady left gracefully one sunny morning

A soft breath announced she had gone,

But those who are left will still miss her

Her memory in their hearts they will hold

 

(To my Auntie Mary Lancaster, 1929-2011