Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Amanda Marie


We line pebbles
on the path,
one
for each day,
and hope for more.

Our eyes rove
the swish of leaves
in the verdant lushness
of treetops,

the bright snaps
of daisies,

the flitting burst
of butterflies
that land soft on our arms
and legs
and flip-flopped toes,

the swell
of the ocean,
dolphin-dipped
with joy.

We watch
the sky burn pink
when night falls
and the stars begin to dance;

and contemplate
how all this reminds us
of how love’s branches budded
to bring us your smile.

Maybe tonight
Gavin and Cassidy and Sawyer
will dream
of their mother’s eyes,

Derik, her voice at his ear,

and Susan
of her little girl
so brave, so strong.

Something like
God’s lovenotes
dropped
even when
we’re not looking.

And what we thought
were scattered pebbles
lost in this life’s storm

are picked up
and churned with God’s tears
and our own,

placed in His bottle
these new-polished pebbles
are jewels
close to His heart,
treasured and unforgotten,

until we see
your smile bright again
and are
together

Home.



“You keep track of all my sorrows.  You have collected all my tears in your bottle.  You have recorded each one in your book.”  Psalm 56:8 NLT



© 2014 Jennifer Wagner



Behind the poem:  a few days ago my sister asked me if I could write a poem for her sister-in-law’s daughter, Amanda, who had been a given a prognosis of two weeks to live, as a special gift to her family.  She survived leukemia as a young child and had more recently been diagnosed with cancer again.  Yesterday she passed away.  She was 31 and has three children who are 8, 6, and 4 years old.  This poem is for her, for them, the man she shared her life with, her faith-filled mom, and all her family and friends who love her and wait for the day they will be together again.  With love and prayers for comfort and peace. ~ Jen

24 comments:

Tank said...

Beautifully written and very touching...

RMP said...

this is stunningly beautiful and touching. I like how the pebbles turn into jewels to be held safe until once again all are together.

Janet Martin said...

The poem is so beautiful...wiping tears. God-inspired gift you have written!

Brian Miller said...

ugh. so hard the reasoning behind the poem...to lose a child and loved one is so hard...to know that love bundled together to even give them life...and give them purpose in this world....until we meet again for sure...i am sure they are pleased with your verse.

Vandana Sharma said...

This is so beautiful and a very nice dedication, may her soul rest in peace.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for doing this! You amaze me all the time with your words/work. This means so much to Amanda's family. This is a gift that money can't buy. I knew I could count on you. I'm so proud to call you my sister. I love you so much!

Grace said...

I am very moved by your share including the process notes. Such love and devotion, affirming even with death, and always with a hope to see each other again ~ Terrific words Jennifer ~

Optimistic Existentialist said...

What a beautiful and touching tribute. I am a firm believer that we do meet them again. May Amanda rest in peace...

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Such beautiful images in this poem of love, joy and pain - "dolphin-dipped with joy", the children dreaming of their mother's eyes.....and the love notes from God. This could not be more beautiful. Blessings to that dear family.

Claudia said...

oh this is so tough... so tough for the little ones to lose their mom... i'm in tears.. love the bible verse that he collects all our tears...that he knows and sees and suffers with them and carries them... there's comfort in knowing this

Wolfsrosebud said...

liked how this begun with simplicity and built on with so much more... nice voice you used

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful poem but I felt so sad reading the back story behind it. sending hugs your way. I am so sorry to read about this tragedy.

Unknown said...

Your poem has touched my heart. So very beautiful. In January of this year I lost my husband to a brain cancer. We have been together for more then 37 years. My hope like your words is that He holds him in His arms and that he waits for me. Thank you for such a moving poem and I wish you hope for your tragedy.

Wendy Bourke said...

a beautiful, sensitive eulogy, Jennifer: the lines falling so tenderly.

Mary said...

A beautiful poem...very touching writing. So sad when one loses one's life so young, and also for children who lose a mother. The ending was breathtaking. Yes, someday they will all be together again.

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Just as beautiful the second time........I hope the little family is holding together through this terribly sad time.

Nicholas said...

Oh such beautiful words. This was a fun read, as I enjoy whimsical, descriptive, tender poems as yours. Thanks for stopping by my own page and commenting. You have a blessed Sunday. :D

brudberg said...

So sad to be ripped away at such young age.. Life can be cruel, your gift of words so poignant... it started out almost like Hansel and Gretchen.. but it lead eleswhere..

Gabriella said...

This is a very sad and moving piece of writing. It is all very sad for this young woman's relatives and friends. However I like how you ended your poem.

Truedessa said...

Your words are heartfelt such a sad journey. May they all find peace..

Sumana Roy said...

this is a precious gift to the bereaved family...so sorry for your loss...very hard times for her parents and her own children....May her soul rest in peace...

Stormcat Poetry said...

Yesterday I spoke on "perfecting love" as the means to finding the eternal with those whom we love the most. Now I find you have written it here in memory of a life well lived and a hope for such a result.

avalon said...

A poem especially written can be so healing. You made a fine gift to a grieving family.

Locomente said...

Very beautiful...
A perfect dedication :)