If I should glimpse heaven before you

If I should glimpse heaven before you,

know that I am not more worthy

nor more sinless,

just more weary and more glad.

 

Know this too: I lived, loved and was loved,

and that has been enough.

In your memories, in photos,

in quiet whispered words,

I shall live on: eternally now.

 

My son’s grin, his gestures,

his laughter and his eyes,

shall shout my existence

long after I am cold and gone,

to those for whom heaven

is still over the far horizon.

 

I shall not die, nor ever be forgotten;

just missed.

 

And that shall be enough for me.

Reviews

[Leslie Philibert]

Jeremy can write. He is one of my favourite poets, simply because he gets it right.This poem is a professional, gifted piece of literature. For example,( I could find loads,)the first line of the second verse - every word fits, the punctuation and use of tenses perfect. And not only that, the content thoughtful and deep, but never trite or sentimental, but wry and modest.A really good poem.

[Muse]

There's a certain kind of peace in "knowing" that through life's legacy we will live on. Beautiful and moving poem Jeremy.

[Jeremy Baker]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad it connected with you! =)

[Marie Anzalone]

It has ever always been the desire of our species to be remembered when we are gone... to leave something that will make others think of our passing. This is a beautiful poem of realisitic and poignant acceptance of mortality, and thus a quiet declaration of a life well lived, I think. One to ponder.

[Shawna]

Beautiful!

[Riley Mistwood]

very nice read

[Jeremy Baker]

Thanks Riley, I'm glad you enjoyed it! =D

[An owl on the moon]

A vast and intimate glimpse at life and death.. and the doors beyond.. You speak such imagery into our days... days that are often mundane, yet only seconds from these gates. Powerful.

[LoveDens]

Sad...but all of us are hoping to have this kind of remarks at the end of our journey.

[Kenneth The Poet]

This is powerful stuff.

[TLK]

This is a piece full of emotion, but the self-possessed emotion of the sure rather than using overblown metaphor. The way that the word 'live' (and the similar sounding 'love') is used and referred to much more than 'die', which is used once and negated, really works hand-in-hand with the meaning of the poem.

My favourite line is "just more weary and more glad".

[Jeremy Baker]

Thanks for the review and your kind words; much appreciated!

[Mia]

I'm speechless. You're magical with your words and you make them work together perfectly!
"I shall not die, or ever be forgotten;
just missed."
Too perfect. WOW!!!!

[Jeremy Baker]

Thanks for your kind words, Mia!

[Tate Morgan]

That is really touching and as a man i can relate to a son and father.I would be happy to be remembered even if the only one to do so were my son