Memorial On a Winter's Day

ice formed in craggy spirals 
upside down and billowed
on the outstretched arms
of the sleeping winter Willow
awaiting Spring’s warm charm

misted sunlight peered through in sheer 
shafts of glistening frozen crystals 
as the melting ice dripped nature’s tears 
falling upon the cold gripped ground next to a wistful
headstone where his name aroused memories from past years
 
loved one’s gathered in close circles 
walking together with careful footsteps on chilled lawns
frozen feet stood still with inquisitive squirrels
listening to mournful voices singing along
in sullen murmuration of whimpering hymns and song

in a dirge of grief, we braved this day
amid rooted sorrow and lingering loss
notes fondly resonated in prayer that conveys 
the passing of a loved one’s life who in death has crossed
while embracing the remembrance of his life with praise


quietly two white doves feathered in pure white
lifted while lamenting a somber cooing yawl 
soaring above the tree line towards ethereal heights
stirring the clouds above the weeping and grief struck pall
as we gathered in procession leaving the dead man’s rite

death reaches with a cold hand
It freezes within us and grasps then grips love’s feelings
we sleep with the winter Willow and on frozen feet we stand
then melt like ice with tears of grief for our healing
while the flowers we offer kindle the grace our hopes demand

Copyright © Lonna Blodgett | Year Posted 2023

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