When Willows Wept

For my friend Sharon who had cerebral palsy

The willows wept the day I was born.
They knew I might be scorned
for in my life so much had been kept.
except,
they knew nothing of
my strength.
My will.
My courage and love.
So still....the willows wept.

I heard them weep from what others called
a deep dark sleep.
from which I may never emerge.
What a scourge!
For they knew it not that deep inside
I was alive!
My mind thrived.
But on the outside my body was caught.
And those around me could not see,
they thought I slept.
It was for this, that the willows wept.

And as the years crawled and crept,
full of my fears
that no one would see what was deep inside
me, and my tears.
So in willows I hid.
With willows I wept.

Until the holiday dream When entered my life
a machine!
Of thought, hope and lesson.
The gift of communication.
Ending so much strife,
and into a new life I lept.
Yet still the willows...and I wept.

For it was a beginning.
Of learning and knowing.
To teach, and be taught.
Challenges taken,
the expression of thought.
And it was joy that crept
into the tears the willows wept.

So as I danced in their majestic stance
I wondered why the willows still weep?
Then on a breeze, through tears of leaves
I heard the willows whisper...
'till fear and ignorance
are but myth and lore,
only then will the willows weep
no more.

1991

Author's Note

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/obituaries/sharon-jodock-king-advocate-for-people-with-disabilities-in-washington-and-beyond-dies-at-81/

Reviews

[William Michael Reeves]

I recited this poem as part of my eulogy for my friend Sharon Jodock-King today at her memorial. I wanted to thank you all who wrote beautiful reviews for her poetry when I set up her profile. And the touching thoughts you sent me as I struggled with her death a few months ago. Thank you!!!

[lightsong]

Oh! It was today... Smile Bill* :>

May She keeps resting in Peace, Love and Light✨🤍✨ You are more than extra amazing faithful friend to Her. She loves You ❤️

[William Michael Reeves]

There was a lot of love today, and in her life. Thanks Ghounwah.

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'When Willow Wept'
William Michael Reeves,
This is very meaningful. Your journey so true in its honesty is also an inspiration to anyone. We all are challenged in out lives. Who can say, "I do not struggle with something?" Inner struggle of soul, struggle within consequences of decisions. The end of your above poem is lovely!
"Then on a breeze, through tears of leaves
I heard the willows whisper...
'till fear and ignorance
are but myth and love,
only then will the willows weep
no more."
Bless you,
Kathy

[Robert Haigh]

A highly poignant and poetic piece. My wife works with children and young adults who have a variety of needs. Most of them have no means of verbal communication, and rely on devices provided by the therapy, speech and language support. Most of these children and young adults require constant care, but their lives are enriched by being where they are, and getting the support they need. Your poem is a fine poetic tribute to your friend, and to all others who need our support and understanding.

[Patricia]

This is a stunningly beautiful poem. The willows wept is brilliant in relation to her situation and what a terrible disability as we all know. I admit as a nurse this is one disability I never came across in all my years and I’m glad for it because it would break my heart. You did her honor with this write William. You should be very proud of this special poem as you were of her.

[Aura]

This was a beautiful poem and tribute for your friend Sharon, you capture how , even with a disability, she never let it stop her. I'm sure if Sharon was here today, she would've loved this poem.

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Aura. She did love this poem. It's one of the few I've recited for people, and made them cry. Which is so satisfying! Can't believe 30 years have passed since I wrote it. Thanks. I set up a profile for her if you want to check it out.

[Chris Shaw]

Bill, this tribute is a beautiful read. You did your friend Sharon proud. So touching.

Chris

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks Chris. Tried to step into her shoes, sit in her chair and write from her perspective. It's a powerful story like 'My Left Foot'. Who happens to be one of my favorite poets. Kristy Brown. Are you familiar with him and his story, since he's in your neck of the woods?

[Chris Shaw]

Yes I have heard of his story Bill. Your friend Sharon was a very inspirational person. Quite remarkable. You must fel her loss sorely. You take care.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

The willows wept for sorrow and yet they wept for joy... a beautiful eulogy to your friend. A sorrowful poem, but hope has crept in. Thanks for sharing.
Best, B

[William Michael Reeves]

Thank you Betty. It was the largest audience I've recited to. A couple hundred people.Yikes! Her life was more joy than sorrow fortunately. And it was a privilege to have been her friend.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome WM!
Best, B

[Temperance]

Such a beautifully sorrowful poem. My condolences for your loss of a beautiful soul. Your poem does you and her justice. Thank you for sharing this with us. Temp

[William Michael Reeves]

Thanks. She was a forever being! And will live through her words and our memories.

[Red Brick Keshner]

My wife's favourite tree is the weeping willow and of late weeping sakura cherry. I have a friend that has CP and is an amazing professional. This is a majestic tribute to yours. Thank you for sharing.

[William Michael Reeves]

Glad you found this then. Her memorial is in a month and I'll be reading this as part of my eulogy. You speak CP?

[Red Brick Keshner]

oh wow! a proper eulogy. I am unaware if I do speak CP. Neither to I sign with hands or read Braille. I really should have looked into that, growing up.

[Gee]

To have been the inspiration for such wonderful words must have meant this lady was very, very special :)