Mourning Has Broken

I attended a funeral service today for someone's loved one.
The room was full of garments of black, consoling gestures, and fond memories.
Tears were shed, sobbing was heard...but grief cannot be abated with only a word.

Attentive ears, as the prayers were said,
Hearts deeply saddened by the loss, could only remain heavy in their anguish.
Memories of life given, now taken away...by the Master who leads us all on the way.

The slow ride to that final resting place,
Passing through red lights, as thoughtful men watch the cortege in respect.
The last lonely place of stone...where all lay their burdens before the Master's throne.

A few last words of comfort before we say goodbye,
Sobbing will stop soon, as the gloves and flowers are laid gently down.
The hand of the Lord is shown again...as the petals are swept by wisps of wind.

In life there is death, for this is the rule.
It comes for us all too soon, and we know not how, or where, or when.
But in death there is life, this is the truth...if only we believe in God's holy proof.

The child born in Bethlehem so long ago,
Raised in love, with youthful days filled with child's play and a heavenly mission.
His Son to die so all could awake...to rise with Him make no mistake.

The morning has passed, the mourning has broken,
Not through the words, gestures, flowers, memories, or even the prayers.
Remember it was broken long ago...when Christ died for us, and then arose.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

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Emu Avatar
January 10, 2016 at 3:48 PM
Great write Dan, I particularly like para 3. Cheers Craig
Cwiak Avatar
February 16, 2016 at 10:32 AM
Thanks, Craig. I haven't been on the Soup for a while, so I'm catching up on a few things. I appreciate your comment and stopping to write it.
Godwin Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 9:43 AM
Great last line, great title, from beginning to end I was touched by your handling of this subject that is so 'gray.' I have a feeling I just read one of your eulogies, Paul - someone may read it it to bring the gift of you to the room. This deep and dramatic poem will stay with me awhile ... 7 ... CayCay
Cwiak Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 10:11 PM
Thanks, CayCay. I was not so much trying to handle the subject, but was reflecting on how the atmosphere struck me during the service, and the feeling I had regarding it.
Allison Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 3:42 PM
I was pulled in by the title - the Cat Stevens song is one I want playing at my own funeral - we can all relate to the words you pen Dan - the 5th stanza is very poignant:-( hugs Jan xx
Allison Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 3:58 PM
I adore the keyboards on the song - Rick Wakeman plays them on that track - I've met him several times as he lived on the Isle of Man :-) hugs Jan xx
Cwiak Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 3:49 PM
Thanks, Jan. That has always been one of my favorite songs and I wrote this a while back, after attending a funeral.
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