Author Joan Warren: Poetry – The Story Before ABSOLUTE SILENCE

I have discovered that grief for the loss of a loved one requires an individual to respect and honour the presence of hurt and to process the emotions caused by the experience.

Remembering that love has the power to heal helps a great deal. Thirteen years later, I still remember my beloved husband and acknowledge his love. It strengthens me.

My memory is lingering in  2009, I am sitting at his bedside, waiting. I hold his hand, and I read out loud. Words of love and peace flow from the lines, and we both hear the promise. I know because I feel a gentle squeeze of the hand in mine.

He lay on the bed,
weary, weak, somnolent.
Then there is
silence – no conversation,
slow breathing, total stillness
in the room.
He is going – but where?
Death will come.
Pain will be silenced.
Peace will subsist.

I love you!
My heart is racing, breath rushing,
throat constricting and choking;
the time is near.
I feel more than hear the silence.
Each of us promised to smile
to say and prove,
“Remember – Our love can outlast all.

Now it is my time to keep the promise.
Drowning in sobs, tears flowing,
burning cheeks, and salty taste,
one is drained and empty.
The promise seems unreachable,
yet strength and faith allow
“Remember – Our love can outlast all.”

Like a telephone ringing,
shrill and insistent, sadness cries
to be heard – There’s no smile now.
Someday we’ll be together again,
the promise was made.
“Remember – Our love can outlast all.”

For you and I, once born,
we live and die, then travel on.
Love clears our path.
Love can outlast all.

SILENCE

Silence – no breathing,
Absolute stillness.
He is gone – but where?
Death came
Pain silenced
Peace ascending.
Emotions erupting.
Fear of loss and loneliness,
guilt and emptiness,
Which ones?
The tick of the clock on the wall,
I heard but nothing else.

REMEMBER

Spontaneity of change
Gratitude – I believe he rests
in peace,
Beyond the power of man.