I was asked to write a poem for my friend’s funeral, and to read it during the graveside ceremony.
In all honesty, I’m not sure how I managed to do that. It was hard, and confronting, and very emotional.
But I wanted to honour her. I valued the opportunity to speak what we were all feeling. And I cherished the fact that they asked me to do this for them.
I drew on every skill I have as an actor and a public speaker to do it, but it was no performance. It came from the very depths of my heart and soul.
I love her enormously and I miss her terribly. And, in that, I am not alone. She was a wonderful, wise, caring, loyal and inspiring woman.
With the permission of her husband, I am sharing the poem I wrote for her, and for her family, with you today.
Image: MoiraKarem via Pixabay
For you, no more waiting for heaven, And no more praying for peace: Your fight is over, your work is done, You have found your eternal release.
I wasn’t ready for you to leave— But I never would have been, So I remain here, without you, In this miserable in-between.
My heart is broken, my words are gone, I have cried a million tears, And the hurt cascades inside me Each time I realise you’re not here.
We made a lifetime of memories, Full of family, friendship and song, And I know it was just a rehearsal For where you are now, all along.
But this feels nothing like heaven: I so miss your warmth and your smile, The music you brought to every day, The way you made each day worthwhile.
I will always love you and miss you, And life will never be the…
WordyNerdBird 