Saturday, October 11, 2008

Your Existence Gives Me Hope


For Kim, Susan, Noel, Jane, and all who are suffering.... and for those who suffer with them...

So many people
hurrying around
seeking something
chasing something

So much busy-ness
so much rushing
passing people by
so unaware

Sometimes running each other over
sometimes just running past
such a fast paced world
so many important things to do

One message
one phone call
one test result, event or realization
and it all comes to a screeching halt

Time stands still
seconds become as hours
Eternity in time
devastating

It all comes into perspective
what is important
what is not
what life is really about

It is really about the people
it's about families
friends and relationships
people we love

My heart sinks
I grieve the loss of peace
which I know you must feel
from knowing

The fear and dread
grasping at your life
The disease and treatment
both ravaging your body

Many offering to help
Sincere and available
Others offering solutions
devoid of truth

Confusion and frustration
Unclear paths
So much noise all around
Stillness nowhere to be found

I fall to my knees
crying out on your behalf
for healing, wisdom, release
peace, grace, mercy, strength

How can it be?
Why has this happened?
Why to such beautiful souls and families?
To those so full of life and love?

So many times I have complained
Often discontented
So overwhelmed by circumstances
Lost in difficulty and self

My understanding incomplete
Injustice clearly seen
Suffering you have not deserved
Pain so very real

And yet, in such circumstances
Your presence of mind is amazing
Your concern for those around you
Surpassing concern for yourself

Your beauty is unsurpassed
Shining rays of hope and love from your eyes
So graceful in your suffering
In the midst of pain and loss

There is a fellowship of suffering
Like being a member of a group you never wanted to join
And yet, have come to know real strength and beauty
as a result of being included

There is a joy and strength and life
There is hope inescapable
There is comfort in knowing you are not alone
solace and momentary release

Whether healing be here or there
it shall surely come to us all
Between now and then
let us cherish each moment we have together

Sharing the joys and pains
as we laugh and cry together
Hearts heavy, yet full of peace
Fully accepting and loving each other

Remembering the best of times
Sharing the stories that make us laugh
Revisiting the inside jokes only we understand
Relishing the treasure inside each others' hearts

For this journey is but a moment in time
and life is but a breath
Let us keep perspective of what matters
and what does not

J/ (C) 2008

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

i am new to your blog. like it btw. this poem is really beautiful. amazing.

kimmy said...

Beautiful and a great reminder of what is truly important in life.

Kimm

Kim from Kansas said...

Please tell your wife "hi" from someone she doesn't know. Wish she could be blogging, too.

GoteeMan said...

Kim, I do, too... hopefully she can again soon! She has so much to offer... she's the coolest person I know...

J/

GoteeMan said...

Kimmy - it's so easy for me to forget sometimes... I'm thankful for the reminders that come my way... though often painful...

Raino & Ms Florida Transplant -
Welcome, y'all... come on in and have some sweet tea...

J/

AutoSysGene said...

As always your writing is beautiful. There is nothing like an illness to remind you and your family what is important.

Anonymous said...

Your poetry is eloquent. Well done.

HM said...

Two years ago when I was told about the cancer this is how I felt. You nailed EVER.SINGLE.FEELING. And once I wasn't angry at the unknown anymore, I enjoyed the 2nd half too. I never would have this perspective if I never would have went through that. So for Kim, Susan, Noel, Jane, and all who are suffering I hope they remember good will come!

ssgreylord said...

"i grieve the loss of peace".

your words speak volumes. you are one wise and articulate man.

Ann Harrison said...

Hi GoteeMan!
I'm so glad you stopped by my little corner of the world.
Thanks for your opinion of that O.A.R. song. In fact, I think I need to take it down! Because by having it there I've been singing it, which is NOT what I want to do!
I wonder how it would sound if someone else sang it?
Do you have any ideas?

Julie said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I don't know how much you read but the 2 boys are mine and the baby girl is my niece :)

Unknown said...

Thanks for coming by...what a beautiful poem to read and a much needed and gentle reminder to us all....

OHmommy said...

Amazing.

I am blown away.

Caroline said...

Wow...really beautifully written. Thanks for stopping by today!

Anissa Mayhew said...

Always thoughtful and meaningful and beautiful...lots of 'fuls today.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Hello dearest!
It was my pleasure to read your comments over at my blog. Thank you kindly for remebering me.

You are blogging some very beautiful poetry right here! It is speaking to my heart and soul.

Your existence does indeed give me hope.

Just telling it like it is said...

Awe...I needed to read that and I hope you don't mind if I print just that blog to share with others that I know besides myself so that they might find peace..
Thank you, may your heart be filled with love...
because in the end that is really all that matters.

GoteeMan said...

By all means - share it...

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Thanks for the reminder....we aren't in charge...it's not our plans to follow...I know I have been tested on this this week!

carrie said...

That was beautiful. I am sure your words were of great comfort.

Jackie said...

Thanks for your recent visit to "For The Love of Home".

Are you the author of this poem? (am assuming it's your work because of the J/(C) 2008)

I would love to post it on my blog!! Do I have your permission?

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

how beautiful. Sad and full of hope at the same time. Brought tears to my eyes.

GypsiAdventure said...

Completely inspiring and it brought tears to my eyes. You're right, too often we hurry through life on our way to and from, never really seeing, just being - you never think it will stop, but perhaps this is our wake up call to enjoy our time here, for too often it is too short.
~K

Stephanie said...

Oh my...that is wonderful! Wow...

Kat said...

That was beautiful. Wow.

Stephanie said...

For this journey is but a moment in time
and life is but a breath
Let us keep perspective of what matters
and what does not

Amazing. I've been following the fight of an aquantaince from college who has had Inflammatory Breast Cancer for four years. She just passed away last week after 4 recurrences. Her story. Her fight, strength, perserverance, and the unconditional love of her husband were blessings to so many. Your poem, along with the life of a girl from college are reminders that "life is but a breath" Cherish it. Treasure it. Remember what really matters. Thank you.

Kelley said...

Well put Cuz :) you have quite a talent for the written word.

Heidi said...

Very nice. Makes me stop & think for a minute.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written!

Jen said...

Beautiful description of life at its worst and best.

shrink on the couch said...

I would like to come upon that particular sidewalk section. What a comfort.