Sad but lovely

[kelliem]

I went to a funeral today. For a wonderful gentle man who I've known for 12 years, someone whose entire being was committed to teaching, so much so that the prospect of having to retire from it, I am convinced, is part of why he chose to leave us now. He will be missed.

One of the elements of the service was a reading of a poem which I think is among the most beautiful I have heard. It was unattributed, but in a little bit of googling I turned up Merrit Malloy as the probable author. If you want to read it and get teary, it's behind the cut tag.


WENDY'S POEM

When I die
Give what's left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me
Put your arms around anyone
And give them
What you need to give me

I want to leave you something
Something better
Than words
Or sounds

Look for me
In the people I've known
Or loved
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live in your eyes
And not on your mind

You can love me most
By letting hands touch hands
By letting bodies touch bodies
And by letting go of children that need to be free

Love doesn't die, People do
So, when all that's left of me is love
Give me away

--Merrit Malloy

Comments

[darthrami.livejournal.com]

So, I'm going to say, "Thanks for making me all teary-eyed," but I mean that in a good way, not a sarcastic way.

Thank you for sharing that.

[celli]

*tears* That's onderful. I'm printing it out.

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. I felt the same way.

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

{{hugs}}

*snif*

[kormantic.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's lovely. I'm very sorry about your friend. I'm glad he'll be remembered so well.

[brynwulf]

Hmmm, wow.... well, that means so much to me in light of recent events. I think I will go post it on Josh's forum. thanks Kellie. I love you!

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

Thanks. {{hugs}}

[kelliem.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it brought you some comfort. It did me, too. {{hugs}}