Hallway to Nowhere

Tag: death

  • A Complicated Death (Poem)

    How to mourn you?

    Only with detachment can I find room

    For kindness and compassion towards you.

    You struggled just as all do,

    And I wish to think you did your best.

    Some of your actions and words still linger with gray-tinged hurt,

    But now I can feel sorrow over these rather than resentment.

    When I speak at your service,

    I will recount one of the few memories I have

    That cast you in your best light.

    May you find in this death peace from suffering,

    An end to chasing illusory dreams, and the fade of your red anger.

    I laid down the burden of these long ago.

    Now may you do the same.

  • Death’s Entrance (Poem)

    I consider the gateway of my death.

    It is always before me, sometimes hidden by distractions.

    There are periods I see it more clearly.

    As of late the details of its appearance become more defined,

    And the door opens widely and freely.

    When will I pass through?

    I, as with other beings, do not know this for certain.

    Each moment brings me closer.

    Let me prepare now.

    I can almost feel the latch swing under my hand

    And hear the rustle of the gravel as my foot starts over the stile.

  • For Edgard (Poem)

    So much love continues your presence here.

    Our laughter and tears are testament to your being.

    No shadowy ghost that haunts,

    You remain a warm solid comfort for us all.

    Our stories and memories share your light,

    As we move through our days and nights.

    We remember your smile, your kindness, your generous spirit.

    We hold these in our hearts with gratitude

    And give thanks for your existence.

    You live on, beloved friend, and we cherish all that you are.

  • Death Is My Friend (Poem Regarding Yamantaka)

    Death sits with me, my faithful companion.

    We have known each other since my birth.

    Sometimes I have ignored their presence,

    To be startled once more when I noticed them again.

    I remember over and over

    That this is merely my familiar friend.

    Their fierce visage is meant not to frighten,

    Only drive away my aspects which prevent a meaningful happy life.

    When finally we walk away from this existence together,

    I will not be alone but with my dearest guide.

  • Conversation With My Father (Poem)

    I ask him,

    “Why did you not tell me

    The happenstances of getting older?

    That the months and years would steadily speed,

    While the amount of time and energy

    Needed for any one task would increase?

    Or that the ability to dance would diminish but never the desire?”

    He replies,

    “You remember, surely, that I never had the chance to learn these things.

    I died a younger man than you have been for many years.

    So you are indeed solitary on this journey,

    Though I tried to give you what tools I could.”

    I smile and take his hand.

    “As long as I can remember you, I am not alone.”

  • How We Remain (Poem)

    You still live on.

    Not in some celestial hall,

    Separate from those you left behind,

    And watching them go about their lives.

    No, you remain present

    In the stories we tell of you,

    Among those who knew and loved you.

    And you will reach strangers even yet,

    As these are shared,

    And people see your name to ask,

    Who was this?

    While we are here to remember and tell

    And all those who come after us who have heard,

    You will live.

  • Second Haiku (Poem)

    A friend’s cousin died.

    Train whistles a mournful sound.

    Snow falls in darkness.