My Heart Is Heavy

My heart is heavy...
heavy with memories of your booming laughter
your mischievous twinkling eyes
and your engaging banter

My heart is heavy...
heavy with hope
that this is not the end
that I'll see you again
in that sweet never ending day

My heart is heavy...
heavy with love
love for my father's brother
my second father
a man of faith
dedication
and service

My heart is heavy...
heavy with sorrow
heavy with a subdued joy
for death is not the end...
not for those who believe
those who grieve
will be comforted....

My heart is heavy...
heavy with the promise
of resurrection morn
where I will see you
not bedridden
not lost in Alzheimer's confusion
but young and strong
remade in His image

My heart is heavy...
My heart is light...

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (I Corinthians 15: 55-57)

The righteous perish,
    and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away,
    and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away
    to be spared from evil.
2 Those who walk uprightly
    enter into peace;
    they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57: 1 & 2)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Callus Avatar
May 13, 2017 at 10:12 AM
Losing loved ones is always bound to leave its mark, Eileen. And each new sad experience opens the scars of previous ones. There is consolation for those who believe in His love and an afterlife. This poem is emotional, touching, and leaves us feeling serene even in loss. Hugs // paul
Downing  Avatar
May 4, 2017 at 3:40 PM
Eileen this is such a beautiful write, and I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll say a prayer for you and your family tonight. God bless you... Hugs :)
Inman Avatar
May 3, 2017 at 9:05 AM
Eileen, beautiful thoughts and a beautiful poem. My wife went through some very mixed emotions with the passing of her father who slowly withered away as she cared for him some years ago. My empathy goes out to you.
Curtis Avatar
April 29, 2017 at 6:17 AM
Another wonderful write---for me you are terrific at free verse
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:08 PM
Thanks, Jerry. I used to write a lot more in free verse. This poem about my uncle seemed to need that form. Appreciate the visit.
Daniel Avatar
April 28, 2017 at 8:37 AM
This is such a profound write, Eileen:) May God comfort you during this time of loss! A soothing write to all who have experienced loss:) my heartfelt condolences!
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:13 PM
Thank you, dear Jo. I'm back from the funeral. It was a very difficult time and yet, it was a blessed time as well. Bonding again with relatives I haven't seen for a long time was good. Sending hugs
Chircop Avatar
April 27, 2017 at 3:53 PM
Oh dear Eileen when a friend of mine is sad...Somehow I feel sad too...but when a friend is a believer in God..My believe and her's together will keep us strong.May God comfort you in these moments dear...Your loved ones too.
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:16 PM
Thanks, my lovely friend. It does help to have a hope in a better life to come. It eases the sorrow. Thank you for being such a wonderful caring friend. You know your place in my heart, my sweet.
Fraser Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 12:43 PM
This is such a magnificent and honest write Eileen. You take us from loss to grief to mourning to comfort and finally peace and joy that only Gods almoghty spirit can give. Excellent. A 7. Blessings Carl
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:21 PM
Yes, Carl. Paul does admonish us not to mourn like the rest of the world does, for they do not have hope in the resurrection morn. Thank you for your kind comment. It is much appreciated, dear.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 25, 2017 at 11:58 PM
Eileen, your poem is beautifully written with comforting faith and love. I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings, Connie : ) 7
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:26 PM
Thank you for your kind words, dear. It's always hard to lose a loved one, even when they are sick and frail. God knows what's best. I know my Uncle is free from the confines of his bed now. I appreciate your visit.
Yvonne Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:40 PM
G_d bless us all. No words for your loss. Respectfully I will add this to my favs as a positive action. Lots Of Love, armand.
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:33 PM
You are....and have always been...a kind soul, Maurice. Thank you for reaching out. It means a lot to me. I'm better now. Went through a particularly rough patch, but it was good to be with family during this time. Hugs
Yvonne Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:41 PM
I hope you're ok.
La France Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 6:01 PM
Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss. You have penned a beautiful tribute to your second father who is smiling down on you today, A7~
Manassian Avatar
May 1, 2017 at 11:57 PM
Thank you, dear Broken Wings. I appreciate the time you took to read this poem and post a comment. It gives me comfort to know my Uncle is no longer bedridden or in any sort of pain. Blessings
Sathasivam Avatar
April 24, 2017 at 1:04 AM
Excellent. Great and touching tribute. A prayer is sent to you family and let your writing gives you peace.
Manassian Avatar
May 2, 2017 at 12:02 AM
Thank you, Ravi. It did help to write about it. I was able to attend the funeral in Germany. Being with family gave me added comfort. This is life. While we live, we will experience the death of our loved ones. I appreciate your visit.
Ricci Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 5:34 AM
Hello Eileen. I turned to this entry not knowing what I would read when turning the page. I am sorry for your loss. Your words express the entire emotions of it all. Your tribute states your uncle was man of substance. May your writing give you peace at this time.
Manassian Avatar
May 2, 2017 at 12:10 AM
Dear Lisa...my writing did help me deal with the emotions that were flowing within my heart. Yes, my Uncle was a man of substance. I was touched by the tributes given during the service. I'm glad he was remembered fondly. I await a better day. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 9:15 PM
Thinking of you, hugs Rick. A prayer sent out to you and your family.
Manassian Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 12:57 AM
Thanks, dear. It will be good to know that a friend is interceding on our behalf. Hugs
Dietrich Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 8:06 PM
wow, Eileen, you outdid yourself with this one. Wonderful tribute and I love what you say about death in the end and changing heavy heart to light. Awesome scripture quotes too. SEVEN
Manassian Avatar
April 23, 2017 at 12:58 AM
A seven from you is high praise indeed, Andrea. Thank you. I'm thinking of reading a poem at the funeral. I hope that I can honor his memory well. Blessings
Lamoureux Avatar
April 21, 2017 at 7:56 AM
What a beautiful and poignant dedication to your uncle. So sorry for your loss, but I am glad you possess the knowledge that death is not the Victor. Hugs Rick.
Manassian Avatar
April 22, 2017 at 1:04 PM
Thanks, Richard. I'll be traveling to Germany for the funeral this Thursday night. It will be a difficult time for all the Manassian clan, but we will focus on the promise given to us in Christ. Blessings.
Roper Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 8:14 PM
This is so touching and beautiful your art in writing amazes me. Hugs beautiful lady
Y. Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 3:28 PM
Hi Eileen, What a loving and touching tribute piece to your dear uncle. This was a tear jerker. I am so sorry for your loss. As you so skillfully wrote " Death is not the end for who believe."My heart goes out you and your family in your time of sorrow- Alexis
Williams Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 7:37 AM
Beautiful poem Eileen, saying goodbye is such a hard thing to do, but revel in the thought that now he is Free. A 7
Melugin Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 6:56 AM
Eileen, sad goodbyes are so heart wrenching. You wrote it to the nines! One thing for sure...there will be a reunion! If you haven't already, google the song lyrics entitled "Sweet Beulah Land". I've learned the melody on the harmonica and can't keep from playing it. Sharing your sorrow, chuck
Green Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 4:37 PM
Such a lonely and sad poem that is written so beautifully that it in one way makes me smile and in the other tear up. Nicely expressed Eileen
Manassian Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 12:56 AM
Thank you, Chris. I lost my uncle on Good Friday last week while on holiday in Cyprus. In the midst of life, we are in death...thanks for the visit.
Bauer Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 4:15 PM
you've beautifully expressed your anguish at the deterioration of someone who has meant so much to you. i feel your pain and sorrow very powerfully here, eileen.
Manassian Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 12:58 AM
Yes, Ilene....though my uncle was sick, his death hit me harder than I thought it would. I can understand that death is welcome for some...but it's hard to say goodbye. Thank you for your kind comment.
Smith Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 3:59 PM
So very sad but beautifully written Eileen.
Manassian Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 1:00 AM
Thank you, Tim....Kind of you to visit.
Allison Avatar
April 19, 2017 at 3:37 PM
My heart is heavy reading your lines Eileen:-( to see someone deteriorate with dementia is so difficult to bear.. death is almost a welcome relief at the end. I am sure you will be reunited one day:-) hugs Jan xx
Manassian Avatar
April 20, 2017 at 1:01 AM
Thanks, sweetie. I'm tired of losing people I love...Yes, God knows everything, and I need to hold on to the hope of the reunion day when Jesus comes again. Sending hugs
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