Sunday, October 25, 2009

Stop All The Clocks


There was a death in my family today.


I haven't been close to him for many years now, if ever...


But there's something about the finality of death that shakes you... to the core...


I began thinking about one of my favorite poems.


And when I read it over, I thought-- there is somebody out there, present or past, that feels this very way about him.

And there is somebody (several somebody's, in fact) at this very moment in time...

who I can say, with absolute certainty, I feel this way about.

SO.... HERE'S TO YOU AND THE PERSON WHO FEELS (or felt) THIS WAY FOR YOU...



Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead,
Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one:
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods:
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

by W.H. Auden

19 comments:

Ann said...

What a beautiful, moving tribute!

Finding Beauty said...

Christine, I love this poem and what you wrote today. It takes a lot of courage. I hope you are ok, please know that I am thinking of you!!

AndreaLeigh said...

I love the poem. I'm very sorry for your loss.

K.Line said...

So sorry to hear about the death. Very poignant and beautiful poem. I love it each time I read it...

. said...

Great poem hun. I'm so sorry for your loss.

lisa and laura said...

So sorry for your loss, Christine.

Dina's Days said...

This gave me the chills.

Unknown said...

My deepest sympathies. My heart goes out to you. It's hard to think of encouraging things to say at a time like this, but I am sending peaceful healing vibes your way.

for a different kind of girl said...

A death in my circle this week has had me thinking of this same poem, too. It truly touches a core, doesn't it? My condolences to you.

Alicia said...

oh no, i'm so sorry..i hope you and your family are all holding up alright..that was a beautiful poem. you're in our thoughts and prayers...

Anonymous said...

i'm sorry for your loss.

The Blonde Duck said...

What a poignant poem. I'm sorry for your loss.

Angela said...

ah... sorry for your loss.

Christina Lee said...

I SO appreciate all of the support-many thanks!

The Small Fabric Of My Life said...

That always reminds me of Four Weddings And A Funeral. I saw my next door neighbour today. He is very ill. It made me so sad to see him.

The Budget Babe said...

So sorry for your loss, know that you're in my thoughts.

All Women Stalker said...

That is beautiful. Condolences to you and your family.

-meream

Miss Neira said...

I hope everything is ok, and hope you are doing well.

beautiful poem and loss is the hardest thing to cope with. I am very sorry!

you have all the support you can dream of!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

sorry :(