June 15, 2008

Sunday Inspirations: Funeral Blues

Today is Father's Day. It is the first time in the past 49 years that my Dad has not been around to celebrate this day. He passed away last October.

I heard this poem today. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought of my father. I share it with you now...

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.


Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.


The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Reach out to your father whereever he might be today...

15 comments:

Hagar's Daughter said...

Villager,
You're right, that poem is touching.
I pray that memories of your dad comfort you on this day.

Marvalus said...

Such a beautiful poem...

May the memories of your dad embrace you on this Father's Day...

Peace and blessings to you!

Unknown said...

Hagar's Daughter & Ms. Marvalus - Asante sana for the kind words on this Father's Day. I pray that you each have a wonderful one yourself!

Martin Lindsey said...

Sorry about your loss last year. Better days come after the clouds bro'.

Happy Father's Day to you.

SjP said...

Villager -

Happy Father's Day to you! Your Father is a peace and resting well in the arms of our Lord and Savior. When the tugs at your heart become the smiles of your soul, then you will know that your Father is with you telling you that 'All is well'!

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

SjP

Unknown said...

Marty & Sojourner - Asante sana!

Unknown said...

Villager,
Indeed a beautiful and moving poem. I pray that you find joy in the memories of your father today and always, until you two meet again.

Happy Father's Day
Peace & Love!

BTW - My post is about my son, check it out when you get a chance...

Edward Padgett said...

Villager,

This is a most difficult Father’s Day for you and I, and I know you will reflect upon the good memories of your father today.

My son Bryan (24) passed two months before your father in an auto accident, which makes this first Father’s Day without him extremely sad, but my five children and I will celebrate nonetheless.

Attempts at blogging this morning about Bryan have failed due to my tears, but your post regarding your father is a way I can indirectly express my feelings as well.

So Be It,
Edward

Vanessa said...

Happy Father's Day, Wayne! You are a blessing to so many people; I know your Dad's proud of you. Thanks for the poem. **hugs**

Peace - Light - Love

Unknown said...

Ed - Parents should never have to bury their children. My prayers are with you and your family. Enjoy the memory of the son who is looking down on you from heaven while at the same time enjoying the wonderous love of those that are still with you on Earth. I'm glad that you found time to visit with us today...

Regina - I'm heading out to get gerbils for my two youngest. I will check out your Spiritual Sunday post on my return...

Vanessa - I hope so (re: Pops watching me with pride). I also hope that you are having a wonderful Father's Day! Do you participate in the weekly Sunday Inspiration meme?

Old School Fridays said...

I understand, I lost my mom last year too, and we grew up together, she was my everything, my mother, my sister, my friend. We lived together until I got married, and the only time we were apart is during school year at college. So I understand those milestones like the first Father's Day without him. I'm just glad I believe in heaven...it helps make the days easier to get through.

Thanks Wayne for sharing...

Lori said...

When it comes to loved ones who've passed, fully enjoying the holidays is always difficult. Hopefully you were still able to partake of a bit of joy and peace through your own children (smile).

Black on Campus said...

Thanks for sharing this. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts...

Unknown said...

Mrs. Grapevine - I had a wonderful weekend with 2 of my 3 young 'uns (the oldest is in Detroit MI). Your story about your relationship with your Mom is inspiring. I imagine that you are working to continue the type of family legacy that she gave you with your own children, huh?

Lori - Yes, I had some remarkable moments during the day recalling the unique strengths of my Dad. My children helped me to enjoy the day and the weekend very much...

Ajuan - It is wonderful to see my cousin sharing her village voice in our place. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. In the meantime, continue to enjoy the presence of your father, mom, brother and such. Never take any of them for granted...

msladyDeborah said...

Thanks for sharing this poem with me. I appreciate it.