Her Requiem

Within her frail shell, death abides through the final hours, I remain by her side fearing a forsaken place of webs that lie in rows of haggard fields where everything forbidden grows surrounded by caverns of mortal's deserted bones she faintly whispered, "I want to go home" Death awakens the wandering soul, affliction steps away vanishing through corridors numbered by years of pain yet, illuminates all delightful wanderings in between eternity tugs at her robe to calm the heavy laden breaths into softer mournful moans, she'll acquiesce Within a midst of welcoming hosts rapt in lucent haze, hallowed air transcends her delicate last breath, then earthly slumber ends her requiem, immersed through immortal gates never to be cast into a cold stone grave
Karen Anglesey 4/29/13
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Ekso Avatar
December 14, 2014 at 2:35 PM
How ironic is it that your poem breathes life into my lately uninspired husk? Thank you, Karen.
Esquire Avatar
June 13, 2014 at 2:36 PM
Dear Karen, I have been near death twice in the past two years, YOUR Superb text of this dying experience is so very True YOU had to be in that situation to see and write about it so clearly. Into my Favorites Hope YOU start writing again soon All my LOVE ALWAYS and FOREVER YOUR Liege...Harry
Boyd Avatar
February 4, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Karen- I know this sounds ego-centered but I really feel that this poem is specifically for me, even though I wasn't writing back then. I feel that it is just one of those spiritual things. When I read this poem, I cried and that is a good thing. I know more tears will come as I see her bodily decline yet so much comfort comes from knowing she is spiritually ascending. Thank you for your comment on my two poems. You speak beautifully through your words. barbaraboyd
Deschler Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 3:51 PM
A very deep and haunting piece of poetry about a subject that we all must face one day. This was beautifully written, Karen! Amazing work!...Thank you very much for the kind congrats on my poem! I appreciate it!
Anglesey Avatar
December 9, 2013 at 7:02 PM
Kelly, you're welcome. Thank you for the lovely comment :)
Young Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 1:57 PM
Really like this one!! A lot has been said on the subject here, so I will just say I love your wording, the choices you make with words. Its very effective. :)
Anglesey Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 5:23 PM
Thank you for commenting. Much appreciated :)
Pritts Avatar
October 18, 2013 at 6:57 PM
Here is another good example of your talent. This one broaches the subject of ones final days with hope and peace. Something we all need to have when the final days come. My wife works in a nursing home and tells me the stories of residents who have seen their last day. The most memorable is one that I just had to write (with some embellishment). I hope you'll read, "Two Little Boxes". I had to do it in 2 parts because I ran out of characters. If you read, keep a hanky handy. Rockman :-)
Anglesey Avatar
October 22, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Loved your poem and thanks for the detailed comments
Kilmer Avatar
July 27, 2013 at 2:30 AM
I feel the depth of your pain and soul here. You know she will come back as an old soul in a young body. Time will take care of that. One day she will pass you in the street and your hands will touch and you will know that she lives again. For this life is a circle game. "and the painted ponies go up and down". Kilmer
Anglesey Avatar
July 30, 2013 at 2:52 PM
Thank you for the interesting perspective. I believe the circle never really ends...thank you
May Avatar
July 26, 2013 at 7:47 AM
a poignant poem Karen...well penned...I am faving it....
Anglesey Avatar
July 26, 2013 at 5:39 PM
Joseph, thank you for your kind remarks :)
Dietrich Avatar
July 15, 2013 at 11:31 PM
wow, Karen, so eloquently expressed. I think I had overlooked this gem!
Anglesey Avatar
July 16, 2013 at 5:53 PM
Andrea, thank you for commenting. Your thoughts are very much appreciated :)
Lamoureux Avatar
July 6, 2013 at 7:18 AM
Death has no victory. That which we fear most will be our rebirth. She no longer dwells in a frail shell. Praise be to The Promise Keeper. Amen.
Anglesey Avatar
July 6, 2013 at 9:10 AM
Richard, thank you for the in depth comments. I appreciate the point of view :)
Manassian Avatar
July 5, 2013 at 10:46 PM
Hi Karen....this is so beautiful...and serene. This is my second visit. Check my post below...your words do bring about the truth that for one suffering....death is a welcome thing. I believe death is a sleep from which we will be awakened when Jesus comes again. Our views differ, but we agree that for the believer....it is nothing to be feared. It's hard for those of us left behind because we muss them so much.....Lovely poem, my dear....love how the requiem becomes a song of glory....amen!!!
Anglesey Avatar
July 6, 2013 at 9:08 AM
Eileen, thank you very much for revisiting. Your enlightened comments are appreciated offering peace and comfort to a most confusing state of being :)
Hamilton Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 4:37 PM
tactfully handled with touching care love it Shadow x siles
Anglesey Avatar
July 3, 2013 at 6:41 PM
Shadow, thank you very much :)
Koven Avatar
June 19, 2013 at 9:22 AM
I am impressed with your wonderful way with words. Great Poetic syntax combined with eminent emotions. Thanks
Anglesey Avatar
June 22, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Allan, Thank you very much for the inspiring words :)
Chircop Avatar
June 18, 2013 at 4:23 AM
I love the way you ended your poem.I guess its all about faith how we describe death.I could feel the pain as its the way so well desribed and I could feel its release when the soul passed to eternity'never to be cast in a cold graveyard'.Its the way i want to see death when it approaches my loved ones or my ownself..Excellent.
Anglesey Avatar
June 18, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Charmain, thank you, I'm glad your were able to interpret this the way it was meant to be. I hoped it would comfort and inspire a peaceful feeling. :)
Jerden Avatar
May 22, 2013 at 9:02 PM
Very powerful, Karen! A delicate subject handled with grace and beauty.
Anglesey Avatar
May 22, 2013 at 9:11 PM
Roy, Thank you so much. I appreciate your response. :)
De Paz Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 8:26 AM
I did not think it possible to describe with such an intensity the mourning for somebodyelse's death. You are great!
Anglesey Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 6:12 PM
Mario, I thank you kindly for your ability to connect with the poem so deeply. I appreciate your candid remarks. Have a SOUPER evening :)
Posey Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 2:16 AM
You have proven that death can be exquisite. Your talented pen stirs the air that I breathe to the point of my intoxication. Great post, my friend. I'm glad I found your portfolio. Keep the coffee warm... I will be a frequent visitor.... Jake
Anglesey Avatar
May 19, 2013 at 2:27 AM
Thank you Jake.... I am humbled to read such gracious comments. I would be happy to have the coffee ready anytime. :)
Dietrich Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 1:03 AM
great writing. So descriptive it is!
Anglesey Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Andrea... thanks! Have a fine day :)
Jordan Avatar
May 17, 2013 at 9:21 PM
The intensity of emotion here is tremendous. I've read it several times, and it touched me every time. I was with my mother when she died. What you have written is very close to my own experience. Thank you... Jack
Anglesey Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Jack, thank you for offering such a personal comment. I am honored that you would share so thoughfully. You are a freat poetic master. Your comments are so appreciated. Have a sun shiny day :)
Haick Avatar
May 16, 2013 at 12:54 PM
Wonderful insight into the final days, Karen. Dignity and acceptance in dying with the knowledge that death is yet, another doorway, seems to bring a kind of peace that frees the spirit. Great writing! I truly enjoyed reading this. Love, Annalise
Anglesey Avatar
May 16, 2013 at 6:16 PM
Annalise, thank you for reading and providing such a thoughtful critique. I am glad you received the message intended. Have a lovely evening!
Situation Avatar
May 14, 2013 at 5:02 PM
I loved this work of art thanks for the insight on my piece.
Anglesey Avatar
May 14, 2013 at 5:17 PM
The Situation...thank you for the generous comments. HAve a beautiful day :)
Bordner Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 2:31 PM
Beautiful expreesion of sympathy, respect, for the 'Passing" Karen - Death is an odd shaparone - J.A.B. %
Anglesey Avatar
May 11, 2013 at 2:13 PM
Justin, thank you for the review. I appreciate the comments !
Scott Avatar
May 8, 2013 at 11:26 AM
A sad write but still a cool poem love the rhythm here thankyou for coments on my rems poem to xxx davidscott
Anglesey Avatar
May 11, 2013 at 2:14 PM
David, thank you for taking the time to review. Have a lovely day !
De La Croes Avatar
May 6, 2013 at 6:42 AM
You have dignified the most frightening fears through your words, Karen. Stay well, David
Anglesey Avatar
May 11, 2013 at 2:15 PM
I am glad you see the dignity in this. I appreciate the thoughtful review !
Seal Avatar
May 5, 2013 at 2:44 PM
Karen, I relate to this totally and you've written it so beautifully, Thank you.
Anglesey Avatar
May 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Richard, thank you for comment. I hope you relate in a good way. Thank you
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace