Passing Over...

The legacy of men is often displayed at the time of death by the tears they warrant. Written for a friend's friend.

No greater honor can be bestowed

On one human being by another

Than tears of loss at their passing

What difference does a mountain

Of treasure net, if the life that won it

Is not remembered? Not missed?

What a hollow victory that would be

 

A friend of a friend is passing

And the grieving has begun

The cost of friendship dunned

But well worth the price

To have enjoyed the journey

Down the road of time

With a very special spirit

 

My friend mourns for him

I mourn for her

Together we mourn

For a world unaware

Of such a precious soul

That touched all our lives

On the edges of obscurity

 

One hundred years

He walked the woods

As a steward of their beauty

With gentleness and love

He caressed the landscape

With his footprints and eyes

Along ridges and creek bottoms

 

He worshipped in a cathedral

Of old oaks and giant beeches

Sang hymns with fox squirrels

And blue jays as a chorus

Sat in quiet reverence

On a pew of wind-felled hickory

As hand of God touched his cheek

 

He will be missed by a handful

That knew him best

And remembered by others

When they see the forest

Still there, still safe

A testimony of life well lived

And the man who walked it

Reviews

[Fire Mage Andrea]

Beautiful way of talking about someone going over to the other side.
I particularly like the lines where nature is involved - "Of old oaks and giant beeches

Sang hymns with fox squirrels

And blue jays as a chorus"

Nicely done.

[Cherrie Palmer]

He worshipped in a cathedral
Of old oaks and giant beeches
Sang hymns with fox squirrels
And blue jays as a chorus
Sat in quiet reverence
On a pew of wind-felled hickory
As hand of God touched his cheek
I loved the image of this you lead me there

[Kerry O'Connor]

"A friend of a friend is passing..." I love the whole concept of this poem: paying respect to an acquaintance rather than a close friend reminds me of John Donne's words: ...Every man's death diminishes me....

[Bubo]

Such a wonderful piece, of someone who has passed through lives and touched them, the tears shed, and memories that remain, I pray when my time comes that no tears will be shed, just colours and songs, and love that comes together in joy of knowing me, not pain.........Beautiful work.

[Emily B]

oh, Mike!!! what a testament to a life that was surely well-lived . . . how fortunate for us that he walked and that you gifted your friend with this poem

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Strong and compelling writing; an excellent poem in tribute to the memory of one who loved nature in all its glorious aspects. This is deeply touching and hauntingly beautiful.