Ye Olde Folks Mill

For Angie



The hallways rotated over and around me, maybe it was that aged smell of antiseptic affecting my equilibrium...
Trying to keep my feet, bracing the wall of the room she was assigned with my hand to gain my balance, I was overcome with 
hot vibrations 
of past voices, shrieking, pleading, crying out for lost loved ones at the time of their greatest need... 

unanswered

Slumping to a chair, I felt the weight of despair

Nothing, nobody

My will to live had been broken

Shaking myself, I knew I needed to be released from this
Possession of my soul, so I began praying...
'God, grant these souls entrance to Your Kingdom, reach out with Your Loving Grace to hold them and keep them in Your Love'

Free at last, the orderly asked if everything was alright, I said No...he said, I'm sorry, I need you to sign these papers for Insurance, we have a patient waiting for this room and Housekeeping needs to finish some tasks

Angie's heart had given up, but the cause of death was listed as covid

I just got up from my chair, set the forms down, and walked out, the orderly pleading behind Me "sir, sir, the papers!"

Housekeeping brushed hurriedly past me as I hit the elevator 
Down button, entered and 
Released at the lobby floor, 

Stepping out to the fresh air, 
I noticed a Ruby Throated Hummingbird alight on a trumpet flower nearbye, sip, then pause to acknowledge me and spun straight-up...

Heaven awaited


11/12/21
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kendrick Avatar
February 6, 2022 at 8:41 AM
Ahh!! So sorry for your loss. So many have died in our area this winter from COVID related illness. We have loss several in family and some acquaintances that we had known for years. I answered your soupmail. Sara
Goff Avatar
February 6, 2022 at 11:25 AM
Thanks Sara, feel bad for your losses.... we've taken all our jabs & still cross our fingers, seems we'll all get it eventually...God Bless, jim
Babcock Avatar
January 11, 2022 at 11:43 AM
So sorry for the loss of your friend. Yes it seems everything is the virus and somehow they want the numbers up. May your sweet friend rest in peace. love phyl
Maverick Avatar
January 8, 2022 at 10:35 AM
Wow poignant life experience told James and We see the need to quantify her death as the Virus..) I Heard it said in the UK a covid Registered death gains the hospital £8000 or $12,000? US dollars, so the schematics would ' Be there ' all the best for 2022 James'
Goff Avatar
January 8, 2022 at 12:39 PM
Very true Joe, sad, but true
Szoke Avatar
January 7, 2022 at 10:27 AM
I'm very saddened at this loss, pray for your personal peace and reconciliation with this loss. This is quite well written and extremely engaging. Your conclusion is an excellent one.
Goff Avatar
January 7, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Thank you Susan...
Romios Avatar
December 15, 2021 at 6:16 PM
Condolences on your loss. Pamagiota xx
Goff Avatar
December 15, 2021 at 6:52 PM
Thanks Pangie, Angie was a life long friend of our family, we shared all of life with her family, late in her life, mom & I (dad had passed) would stop at her house every Sunday after mass to have coffee and chat
George Avatar
December 5, 2021 at 9:27 PM
What a touching narration.... how poignantly you have put the story down. At some point of time we get tired of our withering torso and want our soul to reach its heavenly abode.... though bidding goodbye is sad ! However we cannot be lost in the suffocating feelings for long. Outside there is fresh air and humming birds
Goff Avatar
December 6, 2021 at 6:42 AM
So true! Thanks Valsa...
Daniel Avatar
November 20, 2021 at 5:11 AM
Sad and soul-stirring, James, offering my heartfelt condolences...
Goff Avatar
November 20, 2021 at 11:03 AM
Thanks Jo...
Calasibetta Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 5:07 PM
Dear James, I am sorry for your loss.Heaven does await and the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, I believe is a sign....I lost a dear friend this summer and immediately after her death a hummingbird paused near me and continued to come back for several days. I believe those we love come to console us. Your words reveal a love and deep sadness~beautifully expressed. Blessings, Paulette
Goff Avatar
January 7, 2022 at 11:50 AM
Thanks Paulette!
DiMino Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 4:51 PM
Touching read...sad and beautiful at the same time. I am sad that you lost your dear Angie -- yep, everything is Covid. Who knows? I'm certain your special humming bird knows, and will always be dear to your heart. Watching over you. Blessings my friend.
Goff Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 10:28 AM
Thanks Joe!
Rodrigues Avatar
November 15, 2021 at 12:08 PM
…and these serendipitous moments indeed do happen! So beautiful!
Goff Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 10:27 AM
Thank you Kim!
Kalita Avatar
November 13, 2021 at 2:41 PM
Omg, how beautifully, painfully written! Love the narrative form intermingling in prayer, concrete and nature's imageries! Have used the pen for catharsis so well... Silpika
Goff Avatar
November 13, 2021 at 3:19 PM
Thanks so much Silpika!
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