Monday 16 November 2009

Casting off





Today ...
words fail me.
An old friend has died;
something is lost
and found.
Old griefs revive
and I knit them together,
stitch by stitch;
make them tangible;
cast on anew.
I find some solace in words:
perhaps another will, too.




Up-hill

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?
Yes, to the very end.
Will the day's journey take the whole long day?
From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting place?
A roof for when the slow dark hours begin,
May not the darkness hide it from my face?
You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?
Those who have gone before.
Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?
They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?
Of labour you shall find the sum.
Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
Yea, beds for all who come.

Christina Rossetti (1830-94)







32 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Oh what a way you have with words Pomona! Such a sad but hopeful, evocative post. My heart goes out to you.

Jane x

Lola Nova said...

My dear Pomona,
My thoughts are with you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, it is heart shattering to lose a friend. The only comfort is to know that you were blessed with knowing that friend and the lasting memories you shared can be a solace.
Take care

Michela said...

Hi Pomona, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, a big hug xxx

Floss said...

Well, my prayers are with you and everyone else affected by your friends's death, Pomona. Thanks for your beautiful words.

menopausalmusing said...

So sorry to hear of your friend's death.

VintageVicki said...

Sorry to hear of your loss xxxx

Serenata said...

Such beautiful words Pomona {{hugs}}

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

As we journey through life there are those we cherish that we lose sight of for just awhile... but someday we shall find each other again.
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
xx Susan

Sew Scrumptious said...

Really sorry to hear about your friend. x

Kelly said...

Sending you love in your time of sadness xxxx

Lots of Love

Kelly xxx

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Oh that's just awful. You must be feeling really rotten. Know that we are thinking of you.

Love Sarah xxx

. said...

Sorry for your loss, x

Sal said...

Hello Pomona....big hugs to you from me.
xxx

Pipany said...

Pomona, I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. Grieve, cry, scream or whatever it takes and the good memories will eventually follow. Take care of you xx

rockinloubylou said...

Oh dear. What can I say that could be of any comfort? I am thinking of you.
Louise

BusyLizzie said...

Sad to hear your news. Take care & it was lovely to meet you (albeit briefly) on Saturday. Lizzie x

willow said...

Sorry to hear this. Look after yourself while you think of your friend.
I haven't come across the poem before, but the words are very beautiful.

heidi said...

Sorry to hear of your sad loss,thinking of you.
Thankyou so much for my goodie parcel,the colours are lovely & what a lovely aroma when i opened the bag!
My favourite is the brooch,its lovely,thankyou! xx

Lululiz said...

Big hug, and find comfort in happy memories.

walter and me said...

So sorry, Pomona, go gently.
xox

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

So sorry to hear of your loss,

Thinking of you

Victoria xx

Sarah said...

My thoughts are with you Pomona, so sorry for your loss of a dear friend.
x

JuliaB said...

Really sad to read your post today, my thoughts with you. xx

...Nina Nixon... said...

My thoughts are with - such beautiful words.

Nina xxxxx

Skein Queen said...

:( sending love and good wishes.

Karen L R said...

sending you warm, comforting thoughts across the pond...

Reading Tea Leaves said...

So sorry for your loss Pomona. I hope you found solace in the words of that beautiful poem - life is indeed a journey but can sadly end too soon ...

Jeanne x

A Bun Can Dance said...

Dear Pomona
So sorry to hear about your loss. Friends are so precious, so much a part of who we are.
Take care
Denise x

cathleen said...

((((Pomona))) Lovely poem.

Chrissie said...

hugs and condolences - there's lots of comfort in your poem.

this is my patch said...

The end of life is rather like casting off. I am so sorry to hear you have lost a friend Pomona. x

alice c said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can find some comfort in happy memories.

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