Pain, a Eulogy: Merging With Her Light, to My Dear Departed Sister, Laslyn. Saturday's Inspiration, 35
Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.
R.I.P, my Beloved Sister
Ode to Pain, a Eulogy: Merging With Her Light
As a child, I felt and saw her frequently, yet
I did not know who she was. She cried in my
Stomach, gave me ugly hungry faces; charmed
The many doctors, who loved to see my cuteness.
I first saw her on my mother’s face. Although
Mom frequently smiled at me, I would sometimes
Find her weeping in the bedroom, the bright colour
In her face already dissipated, like passing clouds.
Sometimes she sobbed in the garden, like a
Willow; even the light zephyrs couldn’t stem
The flow, of the ‘hanky’ in her hands, like a dim
Candle, reaching out to our Lord in heaven.
She had many burdens, concerns … made
Sacrifices in the face of adversity; showed resilience
And fortitude, and above all, Love! Much later, I became
Aware that we as humans, all shared a unique, but similar struggle.
The last time I saw pain, was on my sister’s face,
As my soul flew nearly 5,000 miles to Houston.
Stained black, sunken, emaciated from the many ascitic
Drainage, as the nasal prongs, tried to enhance her breath of life.
What a remarkable and loving soul, she was!! Full
Of vivacity, exuberance, selflessness and magnanimity,
Almost unto the end. I extolled her virtues … her dauntless
Courage; her generosity of spirit; I consoled her with tenderness,
Solace, softness … my knowledge, of the immortality of the soul.
She could not speak then, but looked peaceful enough,
As the oxygen tubing from her nostrils … of God’s blessings,
Ensured that she would see out the end of her 56th birthday.
I felt pain in my Heart, which flew straight to Paradise, as she
Gave me an affirmative elbow, even while transitioning from
This life. My tears become bright candles, merging with her Light.
- Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 10th April, 2021
Pain and its sister: suffering
Comments
manatita44 (author) from london on April 14, 2021:
Thank you, Doris.
How are you? Are you well? Your pic shows much light! It's radiant! Your kind words are appreciated.
Yes, going 3 days before and after birthdays are supposed to be spiritually significant. God continue to show Its blessings upon your son.
Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on April 13, 2021:
My condolences on the physical loss of your dear sister. It is difficult to say goodbye even when we know it is only temporary. My son passed two days before his 51st birthday, so crossing over at birthdays are significant to me, too. But I, like you, know we will see each other again. Love and light to you.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 13, 2021:
Thank you Shauna. Appreciate your kind words. It is a blessing how she went. I'm very happy for her. Thank you so much!!
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 13, 2021:
Manatita, when you first told me that, I was heartbroken, until you explained the spiritual significance and beauty of your sister dying on her birthday. You gave me a new perspective and lifted my heart.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 12, 2021:
Yes, she had the extra blessing of going on her birthday. Thanks for your kind words, Sha.
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 12, 2021:
BTW, I love your new profile pic.
Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on April 12, 2021:
Manatita, I was saddened to hear about the loss of your sister. Your love for her spills forth in this poem. I'm sure she's smiling once again.
Beautiful eulogy, my friend!
manatita44 (author) from london on April 11, 2021:
Thank you so much, Devika. Appreciate your kind thoughts. Peace!
Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 11, 2021:
manatita44 Sorry for your loss and this is a wonderful tribute to someone as your sister. It sounds just as it should be perfect and with great expressions.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
Thanks Brenda.
You understand. Your kind words are noted. Much Love.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
ha-ha.
I'm fine! Perhaps I should not have called it pain. A good poet is merely expressing the human condition ... the varying moods of the soul. My sister is in a great place. A true Disciple has much Faith in the afterlife. As to loss, she was like my mom. They both suffered for years and when the time came they went, and we were happy. Great to hear from you, Amara. Much Love.
Amara on April 10, 2021:
Salam Manatita,
Its really sad to know about your sister, May she get a higher rank in Jannah.. I can feel your pain and loss in your words.. May God give you strength..
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
Thank you, Misbah.
She's fine, yes. I am also fine, don't worry. Stay well and blessed!
BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on April 10, 2021:
Manatita44,
My heartfelt sadness for your loss is embracing you.
I know it is hard to lose those we love here on earth, but as you say, She is in paradise. Her pain is no longer. She is shining bright.
It can be an uplifting feeling when we believe in a higher calling.
Take care my friend.
Your are in my thoughts.
Misbah from The Planet Earth on April 10, 2021:
Manatita, My heartfelt condolences on your loss.I am sorry for your loss, my friend. The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts. May God Rest Her Beautiful Soul in Peace. I am so sure she might be looking at you from Paradise and will be smiling. Trust me she is now in much better place and in Peace. The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts. Please know that your friends love you and are here for you.Sending healing prayers.
Blessings and Peace
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
You're quoting Rumi? I'm very proud of you! Ha-ha.
Thank you so much!!
Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on April 10, 2021:
Oh Manatita, I feel the grief and the love in your words. Grief is love persevering. “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.” Rumi.
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
Thanks Bill,
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Chrish,
'a rainbow after the storm.' Beautiful line! Thank you so much!
Chitrangada ji, yes,
Our bond was very strong! Thank you so much!!
Peggy,
Hugs and blessings accepted. Your loving thoughts are appreciated!
Pamela, I'm fine! We were very close but she was also gracious and accepting at the end. Gratitude.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on April 10, 2021:
I am so sorry for your loss, Manatita. Your sister sounds like a wonderful woman, who suffered. Now she is in a better place.
I felt the pain you expressed in your beautiful poem. I also liked the white roses, other photos and quotes. This is a beautiful tribute to your sister.
I'm sure you treasure the memories of happier days with your sister. Time will heal some of the pain. God bless you.
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 10, 2021:
Dear Manatita,
Everyone who has experienced the loss of loved ones can relate to the pain of their passing and the grief that we feel. But for those who believe in an afterlife, that grief can be tempered with faith and hope. The ode to your sister shines with all of those feelings and more. I would like to send virtual hugs and blessings your way today.
Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on April 10, 2021:
A heartfelt tribute to your sister. I am so sorry to hear about her passing away. Siblings have a lovely, distinct and pious bond—So difficult to see each other suffer.
You have expressed it all in your beautiful way, and I am sure it will help you to ease the pain.
Thoughtful quotes—Thank you for sharing.
Chrish Canosa from Manila Philippines on April 10, 2021:
Our deep condolences to your family sir manatita. I can feel the pain in every lines, heart melting tribute to a beautiful soul.
Your words paint her like a rainbow after the storm.... Blessings and I'm sending lots of love.
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 10, 2021:
We are all diminished somewhat by the passing of a beautiful human being. I am sorry for your loss, my friend. I am sorry for "our" loss. We need more quality people, not less.
Sending blessings and love your way
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
Aww, thanks Ann. Like Dora, you have summed it up excellently!! Stay well and blessed this weekend and always ... greetings of spring to the family.
Ann Carr from SW England on April 10, 2021:
So sorry to hear about your sister's passing. This is a beautiful tribute to someone who was obviously a wonderful human being. Your words show the pain (hers and yours) but also the strength of her character. Lovely quotes and illustrations too.
Ann
manatita44 (author) from london on April 10, 2021:
What a beautiful interpretation! You're even first here, Dee. Awesome! Thank you so much!!
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on April 10, 2021:
Much deep feeling --sadness, connectedness, grief--expressed in your poem. I like the beautiful conclusion in your last line, tears becoming light. Excellent!
