Ashes In the Wind

Some folk lie peaceful in their graves. That’s not the place for me. For ‘though I’m dead, or so they say! My spirit still flies free. I had a tough life, here on earth, That some would find a strain. With bits of me that did not work, And sometimes lots of pain. Although in hospital I went, A few score times or more. They could not fix, what I ain’t got, Just help when things were poor. I loved my short stay here all right, My friends, my family too. I showed them all, the way for me, Enjoyed my whole life through. It really was a blessing, To awake to each new day. Our lives are meant for living, Not to pass the time away. With swimming, dancing, dating, And ‘drinking’ that’s for sure. They’ve even had to put me back. In my wheelchair off the floor! I was not a ‘normal’ person, There is no such thing you see. Everyone has special needs, Whoever you may be. While growing to my early youth, With rampant teenage needs, I think I gave my parents hell, At times, or so it seems. They loved me very dearly, And helped me grow and thrive. So when I left for college, They knew I would ‘survive’. I grew into a woman there, Then prepared to go back home. But fate it dealt a bitter blow, I only wish I’d known. When ‘choosing’ help, to put things right, The surgery went wrong. I will not bore you with the facts, Would take me far too long. Then after weeks of holding on, By life’s ‘slender silky thread’. Doctors told the ones I love, I’m afraid your daughters dead. “That’s not true!” I screamed at them, As they stood, ‘Oh so near’. But nothing I could say or do, Could make the ‘living’ hear. Their souls were torn and ripped apart, They turned and left my room. Parting brought a sadness, That filled all their lives with gloom. They knew I’d gained my freedom, But would not accept a grave. So they took me to the ‘burning place’ And put me in a pot. ‘Till we climbed the highest mountain, Yes, my brothers, them and me! Then scattered ash across the world, And set my spirit free. So when you feel a gentle breeze, Or gales that rush around. I’m with you there, in everything, Not lying in the ground. Lesley Ann Davies (with a little help from her dad)