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Street Heart
Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349
Pennsylvania,USA

0 posted 2003-03-14 10:54 AM


Back in March of 1991,I had the honour of being asked to be one of the support assistants for a regional AIDS quilt exhibition which was brought to Lehigh Valley College in Allentown,PA.This was to be my first and only contact with that incredible memorial to so many lives which were prematurely snuffed out by an out-of-control epidemic.I am a little ashamed to admit this.I was so overcome by the astounding artistry,the amount of lives that were taken,but mostly,by the astounding Love which was poured into all those offerings by those who missed their loved ones,that I was practically rendered non compos mentis.Emotions overtook me.I was stunned.Be that as it may,there was one panel that struck me particularly hard.With exquisite artistry,it depicted a baby held in the palm of, seemingly,God's hand,with a beautiful white lily
over her head.It stated that she was one year,one month,one day old when she died.The tears just rolled down my face.The next morning while I was still asleep,I had a dream.In the dream,I was by a river...and this little baby bird flew down and landed in my hand.As I looked,this little one curled up within my palm as if to quietly sleep and so gently died. Suddenly,I heard the sweetest music,just a segment,words and all,that went,"...and she never stopped smiling when the angel came and took her away."With such strong emotion,I awoke and promptly went to the piano.The following is what I wrote.It is in 3/4 time.I am currently arranging and recording this.I wish I could share the entire song with you,but the words will have to suffice.
Peace...

1st Verse:

One day you looked in my eyes.
I dream of the way you slept in my arms
But visions of slumbering never do comfort me now

Byways and weeks hasten by
I dream of the days you played by and by

Scenes of you smiling...always are riling me
mile after mile how my Heart travels far...

Chorus:

       Sleep under willows
          where flowers are crowning you
       Riding the waves of Sweet By and By
       Never in shadows
          Rivers meandering...
       reflecting the clouds that were swept from your eyes

(...and she never stopped smiling when the angel came and took her away...)

2nd Verse:

Years fly and seas gently foam
when tossed by the winds we call Father Time
Ever reminding me,your Love's still finding me now

Someday,when searching the skies
I'll look toward the stars just to search for your eyes

Scenes of her filling me...never are stilling me
Time after time...all the time slipped away...

2nd Chorus:

           But sleep under willows
              where flowers are crowning you
           Riding the waves of Sweet By and By
           Never in shadow
              Rivers meandering...
           reflecting the clouds that were swept from your eyes

(...and she never stopped smiling when the angel came and took her away...)

3rd Verse:

Someday I'll look in your eyes
We'll live all the days within Sweet By and By
Ever together...never apart again
Dream after dream seems to gleam of the time...

Final Chorus:

             when we'll sleep under willows
                where flowers are crowning us
             Riding the waves of Sweet By and By
             Never in shadow
                Rivers meandering...
             reflecting the clouds that were swept from our eyes

And you never stopped smiling when the angel came and took you away...

March 4,1991

Geoffrey Sonnen




If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living.

Martin Luther King,Jr. Detroit,1963


[This message has been edited by Street Heart (03-14-2003 12:50 PM).]

© Copyright 2003 Geoffrey Sonnen - All Rights Reserved
Mistletoe Angel
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since 2000-12-17
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Portland, Oregon
1 posted 2003-03-14 11:57 AM






(tears fall down my cheeks) This is by far, in my opinion, my favorite of all your poems and by far the most deepest poem I've read of yours, just because while all of your poems hold such an honest emotion to them of your struggles with living on the streets and finding forgiveness along the way, this one delves deep into a much more intense issue that affects ever so many unfortunate victims! (wipes tears) It breaks my heart to see so many diagnosed with this disease and I know deep down all our children are always watched over by angels, and for those with the disease, are constantly praying for them and consoling them and their parents with love and strength! (sad sigh) There are no more words to say, sweet friend, God Bless You, this is bound to touch so many nurses and doctors who are doing all they can to end this crisis, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Geoffrey, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton


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

Shakira



[This message has been edited by Mistletoe Angel (03-14-2003 11:59 AM).]

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
2 posted 2003-03-14 01:11 PM


Gets my vote!
~Hugs~

~ Trace my body with your words..
And in doing so, you touch my heart. ~

SPIRIT
Senior Member
since 2002-12-29
Posts 1745
California Desert
3 posted 2003-03-14 03:35 PM


This is a very emotional write - thank you. My vote is in
DawnG
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Senior Member
since 2000-06-23
Posts 1494
United States
4 posted 2003-03-14 03:45 PM


Wow! If the story about your working with the Aids project wasn't enough to bring one to tears then the song will surely do it. I wish I could hear this, but I will have to imagine how beautiful it must be to hear you play and sing this song.

                             Dawn

Street Heart
Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349
Pennsylvania,USA
5 posted 2003-03-14 09:18 PM


Thank you all so much for your votes

Peace to you,Geoffrey

If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living.

Martin Luther King,Jr. Detroit,1963

WhiteRose
Member Elite
since 2002-07-23
Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon
6 posted 2003-03-15 11:13 AM


Again, I'm at a loss for words.
Kellie_Cantrell
Senior Member
since 2002-05-22
Posts 1667
New York
7 posted 2003-03-16 01:22 AM


You got my vote!

(¨`·.·´¨) (¨`·.·´¨)
  ·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)¸.·´
     *`·.¸.·´*
    Love Always
       Kellie

I TAWT I TAW a puddy CAT!

garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
8 posted 2003-03-16 01:33 AM


Very Touching...my vote..
Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
9 posted 2003-03-16 04:52 AM


Excellent again.  I have emailed someone who may know how you can put this music so everyone can hear it on here, so stay tuned as I will wait for his email back.  This is a poet that posts on this site, and we have heard his songs.  Very emotional story and wonderful song.

           
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Aretha Franklin  

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

10 posted 2003-03-19 02:53 PM


Even the intro to this was poetry....
this is one of those times where the gift of inspiration comes from witnessing "little miracles" that change us forever.
Very heart touching write Geoff.

The Sun The Moon The Stars The Sky
none of these would my love deny.
For of all the true found in the blue
its twice as much that I love you.

jm

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215
Realms of Light
11 posted 2003-03-19 05:46 PM


You have a caring heart and a poet's soul...

Love & Light,
Earth Angel

Lost Dreamer
Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464
Somewhere near the Rainbow
12 posted 2003-03-22 12:03 PM


Wow!

Sometimes we have to follow a stronger voice, even if it's silent.



Street Heart
Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349
Pennsylvania,USA
13 posted 2003-03-22 12:15 PM


Thank you so much,WhiteRose,Kellie,garysgirl,
Janet,Earth Angel,Lost Dreamer,and Sharon.
sharon,thank you so much for connecting me with Eric.I will tell you of any developements with the song.

Peace,my friends,Geoffrey

If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living.

Martin Luther King,Jr. Detroit,1963

hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
14 posted 2003-03-26 10:02 AM



LngJhnAg
Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508
Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion
15 posted 2003-04-04 08:59 PM


Beautiful writing, Street.
Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

16 posted 2003-04-04 09:39 PM


I was so sure I had replied and voted for this beautiful write.

Touched me deeply.

You know you have my vote m'friend.

Maree.

lorenlynn
Member
since 2003-01-27
Posts 203
California Beaches
17 posted 2003-04-04 09:48 PM



Joyce Johnson
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Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
18 posted 2003-04-04 09:50 PM


How did I miss thsi?  I do so enjoy your poetry.  Joyce
Justbleu
Member Elite
since 1999-08-31
Posts 3329
Oregon, Originally From Alaska :)
19 posted 2003-04-17 08:57 AM


This is a beautiful piece.....
Bridgette

"Somewhere, somehow, it should be possible to touch someone and never let go again.  To hold someone, not for a moment but forever." Unknown


Verve
Member
since 1999-06-23
Posts 348
Singapore
20 posted 2003-04-17 11:30 AM



Wow... this is wonderfully amazing... 2 thumbs up!!!

Definitely has my vote too.


Cheers!

pjtalty
Member
since 2002-07-17
Posts 111
W.A., Australia
21 posted 2003-04-17 12:10 PM


The lead in to these touching lyrics is inspirational; the lyrics, well, they are created to be joined with a ballad, but the ballad will have to be formidable to match the quality of the lyrics.

I won't go into an analysis of your creation because it is quite apparent that you have injected a magic quality into them which brings the emotions of the reader to the high level that empowered you to create such a profound work in such deceptively simple language.

My thanks to you for sharing this go with my vote.  

Patrick Talty

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
22 posted 2003-04-17 01:05 PM


thanks for sharing
Street Heart
Member
since 2002-09-05
Posts 349
Pennsylvania,USA
23 posted 2003-04-17 02:35 PM


Thank you all for your warm responses.

It's funny,just recently I shared this with a group of people down in West Virginia,and someone made the comment of finding the ones who dedicated that incredibly beautiful and heart-rending quilt panel.He said that they would be so appreciative.Honestly,I wouldn't know where to begin or how to find them,since
I don't have a name to go by.If anyone has a suggestion,please let me know.

Thanks so much,Patrick,for your generous and touching comments.

Peace,my friends,

Geoffrey


If a man has not discovered something he is willing to die for,his life is not worth living.

Martin Luther King,Jr. Detroit,1963

[This message has been edited by Street Heart (04-17-2003 02:36 PM).]

Bill Charles
Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now
24 posted 2003-04-18 10:59 PM


Street Heart - words escape me with the feelings I have after reading this. Peace walk with you... My vote...

BC

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