Notes About The Poem

Lilian, my wife died four years ago.  Never forgotten.  I still miss her.  I can never forget her.

My Wife's Fourth Anniversary

From the brow of the hill
I could clearly see the panorama
Beneath me.  Worried I saw 
From afar a dark man,
Scythe in hand reaping…..God knew what.
In far off fields full of tall grass.
It was not the man who interested me.
It was my wife, a marriage of forty-seven years.
I saw her hobbling down an uneven path,
Her body bloated with disease.
She never looked back.
Strange I thought,
There were no birds around.
Only profound silence.
Arriving at a crossroad, 
Without hesitation
She took the right narrow trail.

My heart thundered in pain.
I knew what was in her mind.
Incautiously she arrived at a bridge.
Thick fog covered the other side 
An extension that led to unknown worlds.
Head straight but body limping
She dragged herself over.

Helpless I looked on till she disappeared.
Disconsolate I sat down on a stone.
She had suffered enough. She will now rest forever.
But I?  Will I find some salutary rest?
I felt the pain of separation.
From afar a bell chimed an Ave Maria dirge.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Seeker Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 10:45 PM
A heavy cross to carry. We each, seeming separate, are inseparable God essence. Yet, words offer no solace, divine love alone transmutes us, in prayerful surrender.
Buehler Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 8:38 AM
Because we have a loving God, love never dies. Our dear ones just make the transition to becoming angels, so their love lives on still. Your poem is touchingly beautiful, Victor. Warmest regards, Evelyn
Roper Avatar
February 26, 2021 at 9:56 PM
Heartfelt tribute, Victor, she is with you at all times. Hugs Eve
Edmonds  Avatar
February 23, 2021 at 4:13 PM
I feel the pain and sorrow of your loss Victor, for sure your lovely Lilian is watching over you with her love. A beautiful tribute to your wife of forty-seven years ~~ Belle
Allison Avatar
February 23, 2021 at 9:44 AM
aww Victor I can't believe its been 4 years my friend, I know how much you miss her and I feel so privileged to have met her before she died, she was such a lovely lady and will live on in your heart and your memories will be expressed through your poems: hugs jan xx
Gilmour Avatar
February 23, 2021 at 9:28 AM
Dearest Victor I now that pain and my heart goes out to you dear man. With kindest thoughts Ann xx
Jayasankar Avatar
February 23, 2021 at 3:09 AM
Oh... I missed reading so many poems of my friends... so sorry I couldn't log in to Soup often. This is so sad, deep and emotional Victor. Dear ones never leave us, they guide us from above forever. A great tribute to your lovely Lilian. God bless... ~ Ani
Rodrigues Avatar
February 22, 2021 at 9:04 PM
She smiles down at you, waits for you.
La France Avatar
February 22, 2021 at 3:19 PM
Victor, has it been four years already, though I read in your poem the pain of her death is still fresh, and I understand this pain very well, your poem is penned beautifully with deep emotion _Constance
Radhakrishna Avatar
February 22, 2021 at 1:53 PM
A touching poem! Those who are loved live on forever! Wish you strength to overcome this loss.
Kendrick Avatar
February 22, 2021 at 9:28 AM
I feel for you. I can't know the pain as you do for I still have my mate. I can feel your pain yet in that pain the knowing that she is waiting for you on the other side. Your visit to my page was encouraging. Sara
Andresen Avatar
February 22, 2021 at 2:32 AM
- Your dear Lilian was by your side when you wrote this beautiful poem, Victor ... I'm sure you felt her closeness - She will wait for you when your time comes :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Hawkins Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 9:47 PM
A sad but very beautiful verse. I am sure your dear wife knows how much you love her and always will. your verse pulled at my heart strings. It is something we know is inevitable but are never ready for especially as we get older. Bless you Victor....you and your wife will always be together in spirit. Take care....Shirley
Crabtree Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 8:28 PM
Very heartfelt, Victor. Your beautiful wife will always be alive in your heart. Wishing you a wonderful week :)
Tor Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 6:49 PM
Victor please be comforted to know she is not suffering but in peace sitting patiently to meet again with you. Words can not describe the emotional pain one suffers and endures when loosing that special person that means the world to them. I pray for you to know she is being taken care of and will someday reunite again with you. As you have sad thoughts of her departure , you have wonderful memories of her that live inside you forever. You carry part of her in your heart. May you be comforted...
Y. Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 5:53 PM
Hi Victor, You’ve penned such a heartfelt and touching tribute to your dear wife. It is evident how much you loved ( still, love)your wife. I know you miss her very much; she lives on in your heart and memories. You will be reunited with her in paradise. - Alexis
Proxenos Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Victor, you broke my heart - you and your wife had a special bond I can tell and her absence in your life is paramount.. Know that God knows your heart, and will console you, she is around you all the time, just know that. hugs and blessings.
Ball Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 8:15 AM
This is a very trouching tribute to your dear wife. But just because you can't see her doesn't mean you are alone. I'm sure her presence is everywhere. God Bless my friend. JB
Balasubramanian Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 7:13 AM
Heartfelt tribute to your wife. She was sick, it is painful to watch a loved one suffering. Sometimes although we miss them, we are happy their suffering ended. Take care Rama
Pandit Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 5:31 AM
I feel the ache emanating from your heart my friend. Such a stunning tribute you wrote, Victor--I am sure she hears you, for she is right there with you, always.
Logan Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 4:55 AM
Lilian has a very benevolent face, Victor. I know you hold her in your heart. Your descriptive lines show the pain you both suffered at her leaving. This must have been difficult to write.
Cunningham Avatar
February 21, 2021 at 1:46 AM
She may not be here Victor, but she lives on in your heart and in all those precious memories that you made together. There are no words that I can say that will help ease the pain of your loss. But I believe that one day you will both be reunited in paradise Tom
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