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Open Poetry #23
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2002-11-27 01:33 PM



Oh Death, Be Kind

It seems that death is taking hold
Disease has rung it’s final toll
And now is measured into time
The life and love that has been mine

Too weak the lungs inside of me
To make a final tender plea
But as I take my final breath
I will beseech just one request

A silent whisper of a song
I’ve sung in illness all along
And heard in dream’s eternity
Oh death, will you be kind to me

Just as my life was well fulfilled
With love and joy my furrows tilled
With pain, the hardships I endured
In time the spirit fully cured

I know of life but not of death
And as I take each labored breath
I think my eyes will still have sight
Though closed forever, void of life

For death has never threatened me
With absence of a life to be
I only wish the sound would stop
The ticking of life’s timeless clock

I beg you, death, be kind to me
And let my eyes from heaven see
The sweet bequest that I’ve bestowed
To those a treasure I have owed

The woods and stream, the birds and fowl
The things that I am leaving now
To you, my loved ones, I bequeath
The stars and all that’s underneath

May you see flowers and nighttime skies
As viewed in life from poet eyes
Let nature in your vision dwell
It’s splendor’s filling spirit’s well

Oh, death be kind to this one soul
And let me know their lives are whole

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
1 posted 2002-11-27 01:42 PM


Liz - This poem is magnificent... I'll call you tonight, my dear friend...

Sunshine
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since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2002-11-27 01:46 PM



One can only pray that Death comes with some peace - we will not all so fortunate, but when that day comes [and it's a way off m'dear] I will pray that it is as peaceful as this poem, Lady Santos...

now take good care of yourself.  I'm looking forward to your Christmas poems...

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
3 posted 2002-11-27 04:46 PM


Liz, this is so beautiful. I hope you are okay!
nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
4 posted 2002-11-27 05:14 PM


a very lovely write as only you know how to do...from beginning to end
Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving, Liz.

hugsss
maureen

The Lonely Stranger
Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 361
Upstate, NY, USA
5 posted 2002-11-27 07:15 PM


Liz,
   This poem touches my heart. I am near tears. There is just nothing I can say. You have my prayers.

... and they sent him home happy ... one hundred percent.

Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
6 posted 2002-11-27 07:55 PM




(big hugggssssssss) And you shall know of death the day you accept when it comes, sweet friend, until then, never question death and live...live with all your heart as life is only temporary! (sigh) God Bless You, sweet friend, I send many angel hugs of warmth your way, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
7 posted 2002-11-27 10:43 PM


Liz, you have enriched the lives of everyone who has been privileged to read your poetry....and there are still poems to be written by your hand...and I will be here to read them.

Do not go gently.....

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
8 posted 2002-11-27 11:06 PM


...

May I echo Balladeer...dear sweet Liz?
I am afraid I am too choked up to say more at this moment.

~Hugs and have a blessed Thanksgiving~

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
9 posted 2002-11-27 11:46 PM


Lovely...James
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
10 posted 2002-11-27 11:50 PM


Dear Liz...you are such a special person and poet..your spirit fresh and clear, your voice like the wind.  I hope this poem doesn't reflect your current situation.  Sending you hugs and love, dear friend.
Lady In White
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Member Elite
since 2001-02-12
Posts 2799
USA
11 posted 2002-11-27 11:56 PM


How well you touch our lives, Elizabeth...and how fortunate that my own Grandmother bears your name, and lives into her 90th year and beyond!

I am looking forward to meeting you...
our names shall twine a song...

[This message has been edited by Lady In White (11-27-2002 11:58 PM).]

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
12 posted 2002-11-28 12:00 PM


Liz,
Such grace and dignity are not bestowed on all. But when seen effects all who are blessed to read. You craft your words as well as you have crafted your life. Peace and courage appear to be your gift already shared with those who need an additional portion. Bless you kind friend.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

ThisDiamond
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353
Michigan, USA
13 posted 2002-11-28 12:00 PM


A beautiful song written to the way of all creatures. Always have livened my writing with the spirit that you teach.
Thank you Liz. Happy Holidays. ThisDiamond

angsana
Member
since 2002-11-11
Posts 77

14 posted 2002-11-28 12:13 PM


A lot of meaningful thoughts shared here..I'm sure I'll have similar thoughts when faced with challenges of death.

angsana

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
15 posted 2002-11-28 12:21 PM


GEEZ Liz! Wrung every darn emotion out of me and now I am so drained I don't think I am able to finish my ice cream   Oh brother, this IS the best one yet my friend, the best yet!  Your vintage suits you and trust me if I could be anywhere tomorrow it would be sitting at your table.  I will be thinking of you all in my heart.  Too late to call tonight will try tomorrow.  This was sheer perfection when you get my emotions going and YOU know that!

                
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
16 posted 2002-11-28 07:22 AM


Looks like you wrenched a few hearts here, Liz... I'm glad I had a chance to talk to you and that all's well with you and yours... Have a wonderful Thanksgiving feast today...
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

17 posted 2002-11-28 08:57 AM


Liz this is poignant and beautiful and I am glad that Nan left the note that all was well.  Stunning write dear.  May you and yours have a blessed day!
RSWells
Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533

18 posted 2002-11-28 01:31 PM


A sort of peace in this acceptance of life's inevitable end. Enjoyed
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
19 posted 2002-11-28 08:09 PM


This poem is not about me, but rather about what I would want to say if I were near death, which I am not. I know sometimes we write about notions and the reader interprets it as fact, and I apologize to those of you who thought this was true. I should have put a footnote there.
At any rate I am very grateful for all the many kind comments to this poem and for your caring hearts. I hope you all enjoyed THanksgiving as much as I have
Liz

Marge Tindal
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since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
20 posted 2002-11-28 09:10 PM


LovelyLizzyLady~
Thanksgiving brought me your lovely reply to my e-mail ...

Lovely thoughts dearest one~
*Huglets* from the South~
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
           noles1@totcon.com                       

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
21 posted 2002-11-28 09:25 PM


Whew! I can't tell you how relieved I was when I read your reply saying that this was not about you!

Now that that is out of the way, --I must tell you that this is one incredibly fine piece of writing!--and the sentiments were full of grace and acceptance of life's inevitable end. This is most definitely another keepsake piece of poetry for me by  the illustrious poetess, Elizabeth Santos!

~ Keep well and keep writing!

Linda

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
22 posted 2002-11-28 09:29 PM



....saved!

Sorry that I had to pop back in again!
If I don't save at the beginning of my replies, I forget to do it! Such was the case when I posted my previous reply to this wonderful poem.

Linda

Magnus
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Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
23 posted 2002-11-28 09:31 PM


Darn it,  I am supposed to be extremely
happy after learning that you are well...
I am,  I think....But this poem really tugged
heavily upon my soul....Not just what I
thought it was saying,  but the sheer
beauty, tenderness and emotion of it as
well...

Yes Liz,  this is by far one, if not the best,  of your poems...

Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296
Purgatorial Incarceration
24 posted 2002-11-28 09:57 PM


hugs you... one thing i think you don't need to worry about when that time comes... whether or not you have lived.

peace

Riley
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Senior Member
since 2002-07-18
Posts 1038
in the pouring rain
25 posted 2002-11-28 10:42 PM


I am shaking...this is maginificent ( sp )


Riley

Morning mist clings to my face, and my soul opens up to you......

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
26 posted 2002-11-29 10:19 AM


Elizabeth,
You know of course I read this, but it was so sad I could not comment. The work itself is a classic but I could not face these circumstances. Stay well and write of delight. Love Sy

garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
27 posted 2002-11-29 10:36 AM


Elizabeth, as I'm writing this reply, I'm completely in awe of the talents you possess. My dear friend, until I read your comment to the first few replies, I also thought that this was about you. You have that ability to just pull the reader into the very essence of your writings. Every single piece of your poetry that I've read does that to me, as well as every other reader of yours, I'm sure.
You are simply amazing, sweet Liz. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful poetry with all of us here.


"Love makes the world go around"
~~with love and hugs from Ethel~~
                  

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (11-29-2002 10:37 AM).]

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
28 posted 2002-11-29 08:54 PM


Liz, may you continue to be surrounded by those who love and adore you and may they bring you peace and joy.

You are in my prayers dearest lady for God's angels be with you throughout the day and night.

Blessings and special hugs, Marti


Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
29 posted 2002-11-30 09:44 AM


Earth Angel, Sorry you thought this was true, and I appreciate your caring remarks jst as all who have responded. I'm glad that you liked the poem

Magnus, thank you for your comments. Very much appreciated

Christopher, You have just generated a new poem
Thank you

Liz

[This message has been edited by Elizabeth Santos (11-30-2002 09:50 AM).]

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