We lack all knowledge of this parting. Death
does not deal with us. We have no reason
to show death admiration, love or hate;
his mask of feigned tragic lament gives us
a false impression. The world’s stage is still
filled with roles which we play. While we worry
that our performances may not please,
death also performs, although to no applause.
But as you left us, there broke upon this stage
a glimpse of reality, shown through the slight
opening through which you disappeared: green,
evergreen, bathed in sunlight, actual woods.
We keep on playing, still anxious, our difficult roles
declaiming, accompanied by matching gestures
as required. But your presence so suddenly
removed from our midst and from our play, at times
overcomes us like a sense of that other
reality: yours, that we are so overwhelmed
and play our actual lives instead of the performance,
forgetting altogether the applause.
(Translated by Albert Ernest Fleming)
May 10, 2008 at 10:47 am
This is certainly a lovely tribute to a woman and family that was through so much. I read of her death this morning, and went to the link that had shown her struggle, and the life and times of her disease, and truly was so saddened. Bob knew the family briefly, and I can only say that we certainly offer our condolences to them at this time of their grief and sorrow.
Though our faiths may be a bit different, there are so many wonderful people on this Earth that are peaceful and spiritual. She certainly seemed to be one of those, and another lost too early in her years.
Blessings to her family; a precious life that will be sorely missed by many.