Open Poetry #42 |
Osmosis by End |
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Osmosis by End There's a beautifully unique, singular balance to death but it only comes with age, from what I’ve determined. When we are young, we fight indiscriminately for more time; but when we are of an age where we think we are forgotten by Him, we welcome His arms. Even if we are atheist. She was not; a confirmed Lutheran to the end. But, we never come to terms with the death of a child, or of a youth unless we knew their character: too wild; too willful; too daring… let alone anyone “our” age. It is then that we are held in some sadness we cannot explain, nor escape. As recently as 28 years ago I encountered a singularly wise woman who was ready to leave this binding earth and wondered why she wasn’t “let go.” Told her, I did, that she just hadn’t received an invitation. Later in time, when she was done laughing at the old joke I told her that she still must have something to teach, as she had in the late 20’s and through the 30’s of the 20th century. My own grandmother was four years younger than my lovely mother-in-law. It gives a different perspective. But that is a diversion from the fact that mother did, still, and indeed, have something to teach: like dropping the “in-law” between us; like bringing ancient witticisms to life; like bringing her times to ours; and taking our times on with a vengeance, with the exception of really understanding things like computers. She read the paper every day, until only with a magnifying glass, could she read the headlines under a strong light; I often wondered if it was strong enough to make a difference in her politics. And then, she taught those that cared for her at the end, her family, her caregivers…the people of Hospice, all of us… that 99 can be beautifully nice; and soundly proper with an unequivocal spirit. Because, you see, she was all of that, and more. She taught people something, all the way until the last two days before she breathed her last breath. All of her family was with her before her end; all of us spoke of her, to her, of all that she had left for us to take forward. If Osmosis is kind… if Osmosis is kind…. Then all of her generations will know that we shall celebrate their lives, as we did hers. © KRJ Feb. 11, 2008 In honor of Mabel M. Jungel A mother by love. 11-18-1908 – 1-27-2008 [This message has been edited by Sunshine (02-13-2008 10:14 AM).] |
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© Copyright 2008 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved | |||
The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
"Told her, I did, that she just hadn’t received an invitation." magnificent Karilea the time of gathering is past the time of remembering begun the invitation was extended and accepted a teacher is where she longed to be love to you |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
How wonderful to have such a great mother-in-law. I have a feeling you got what you desrved as people usually do. Ida |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Sometimes, I find myself leaning in to read, forgetting to breathe, simply lost in the flow of expression and a message that captures me. Sometimes - that moment turns to now. A |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
i have read this 3 times and the feeling is just beautiful |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Beautiful, dear Karilea! Your pen brings her personality to these pages in a very touching way. love Margherita |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Dear Karilea, Mabel sounds like such a special soul. The poem is wonderful and maybe some of that osmosis will work on us, too, just by reading it. 99 years....all lived! Again, dear SIL, I'm so sorry for your loss, but I celebrate your gain in knowing her and becoming her daughter. *hugs*........jo |
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Kristabell Senior Member
since 2003-11-29
Posts 678Portland, OR |
You know, it's amazing how easily this can be forgotten... Lovely tribute here. K |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sissie...it is so obvious that you dearly loved your mother-in-love and she did you. |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Beautifully Written! ARCTIC WIND |
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