with the green grass
I am calmed
and grow fearless
with each step
Gathering nothingness
listening to emptiness
fill herself
with birdsong
and the crunch of ice
and the sense of cold
finally, taking me
by surprise.
© Shaista Tayabali, 2012
Joanna was the second daughter of my beloved friend Mary Haybittle, and her funeral takes place today. Can only pray for it to be a peaceful, blessed sort of day with the angels singing and listening in wait.
How lovely. I felt the calm as I walked with you through your words.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely. Walking is just like that--"gathering nothingness/listening to emptiness/fill herself"--and we grow stronger and gain hope. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLovely words and lovely photos...gentle affirmations for a winter's afternoon. Peace, Mary helen Fernandez stewart
ReplyDeleteI felt a 'oneness' in the nothingness. Gracias!
ReplyDeleteWonderful snow poem. I feel like I'm walking with you. So calm...
ReplyDeleteMy snow poem is dedicated to Joanna Haybittle who lost her fight with cancer last week. Her mother Mary Haybittle is my dearest friend, my soul sister and mentor.
ReplyDeleteShi,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. What a heartbreak.
Ming
May she rest in peace..
ReplyDeleteI am saddened and sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is beautiful, I only heard of Joanna's sad death 2 days ago, She and her family were my best friends as I was growing up next door, we spent many hours together. We didn't keep in contact in adutlhood except via her parents who I still see occasionally, a real happiness from my past has gone.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is beautiful and a fine tribute to your friend.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
I love your poem.
ReplyDeleteJoanna was actually my english tutor during my high school years. I miss her dearly.
I was at university when Roy told me of her death. Her and Roy became more than just my tutors, they became close friends.
Dear Peggy,this has been a wonderful surprise hearing from you. I've just rung Joanna's mum Mary to tell her of your email. She was so surprised and pleased. I hope I hear from you again. Do write and let me know more of your memories of Joanna.
DeleteThanks for writing, Shaista