I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, ‘There, she is gone’
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me – not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, ‘There, she is gone,’
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, ‘Here she comes!’
And that is dying . . . Gone from my Sight by Henry Van Dyke
What a beautiful, comforting poem. And I think that’s what happens. Your sister was lovely, and so stylish!
LikeLike
Thank you, Janet. I have read and reread this poem so many times this past year it seemed fitting to post it on the anniversary of her passing It is comforting as it evokes tears – and that is okay. We need to cry, then smile. This photo makes me smile. Yes, indeed. She was always stylish. Dottie was around 16/17 in the photo and already an “it” girl. 🙂 Happy New Year, Janet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Penny, that is beautiful. She is just out of sight, not out of mind and certainly not out of your heart. She is rejoicing in Heaven over the birth of the Christ Child. I’m sure they rejoice always there not just one day.
I know the holidays and benchmarks are hard as the calendar goes on. As time passes, I hope the edges soften and peace enters. I’m remembering you in my prayers. Shed a tear or two as need be but share a smile at a remembered joke or secret. Love you.
LikeLike
This poem has comforted me often this past year, Janet. I’m not sure where I first saw it, but, thinking it was on something hospice shared. Your words bring comfort as well. Yes. She is rejoicing. The edges, as you say, will indeed soften and I’ve learned over my lifetime to cry when I need to and laugh as well. Thank you, my dear friend. Your words and your prayers cross the miles and the years. Love you, too.
LikeLike
This is beautiful, Mom!
LikeLike
Thank you, Katy.
LikeLike
❤️
LikeLike
Thank you, Jill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful poem Penny , thank you for sharing it.
LikeLike
You are most welcome, Gerlinde. It is comforting and uplifting (and tear inducing). Thank you for commenting.
LikeLike
So poignant. It is going into my commonplace book. Thinking of you and praying for your continuing strength.
LikeLike
That is where I placed this last year, when I first read it, Marilyn – my commonplace book. Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts and your encouragement, Marilyn. I hope you had a good Christmas and wish you a happy and healthy New Year.
LikeLike
That was beautiful, Penny! Simply beautiful!
LikeLike
Thank you so very much, L. Marie.
LikeLike
Dear Penny, thank you for sharing this poem. I’d never before read it. Nor had I ever before had that image in my mind. It is a comforting one. And also, for me, it is a beckoning one. We talk of closing windows and turning to open doors and I’d never really thought that there will be a final window to close and then I will turn to a newly opened door which will lead to that distant shore.
I’m not being morbid here. I’m simply letting myself unclutter the years of holding on too tightly to the schedules I’ve devised and the work structures I’ve inhabited. The poem lets me know that even now I am taking sail and at some point will go beyond the horizon. I’m liking the boat I’m in now and the life on deck. It is good.
May this new year be a blessed one for you, Penny. And may you embrace this poem in the deep center of yourself where Oneness dwells. Peace.
LikeLike
Your words always inspire me, calm me, and give me hope, Dee, and they certainly do so here. Thank you.
While this poem has elicited tears each time I have read it, it also gives me comfort. Yes. “a newly opened door which will lead to that distant shore”. I do not think you are being morbid at all, my friend.
I wish the same for you, Dee. Peace.
LikeLike
Thank you Penny. This is the most beautiful poem… I have never read it before and the image/allegory (is that the right word?) is perfect. . I wish I had known it in past years and I’m saving it. (And like insurance, hoping I do not have to personally use it any time soon.) Happy New Year.
LikeLike
You are most welcome, Sallie. Allegory is a very good word and I thought this was perfect as well. The poem has comforted me quite a few times over this past year and it pleases me that you found it worth keeping. Thank you – and a very Happy New Year to you as well.
LikeLike
Penny, this takes my breath away. I have NEVER read this poem before and now I must have a copy. It’s absolutely the perfect “perspective” that touches me deeply. The photo of Dottie is truly lovely. Such a beautiful young woman looking out at us. Blessings to you for the new year, Penny. I’m so touched by this and so glad to have read it. ox
LikeLike
I feel the same way, Debra. I think I first read it on a pamphlet from hospice, but, kept it close by and have read it again and again. I was blessed by having and now feel twice blessed if it calls to you. Dottie was still in her teens in this photo, and always the “fashion plate”. Thank you, my friend, and blessings to you as well.
LikeLike
What a beautiful way to remember your sister and all of the others we have loved but who are no longer with us. Thank you for sharing this. Have a wonderful 2019 Penny.
LikeLike
Thank you, Janice. We all have losses and my hope was that this poem would touch other as it touches me. I appreciate your kind words here and reconnecting with you. Here’s to a Happy New Year to you as well.
LikeLike
What a touching poem and post, so full of loss but also love. What an attractive young woman she was, so stylish too, and how you must miss her.
LikeLike
Thank you, Juliet – and yes, she was attractive as a young woman and all through her life, even to the very end when she planned out what she would be buried in. I do miss her so very much but know that she is no longer in pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person