“O Grave, where is thy sting”
Well, since you’re asking…
Your sting, O Grave, is in the sad eyes of an aged, white-haired mother
Who should not have to bury her son
Your sting, O Grave, is in the cry of an older brother, plodding through the sugar bush
Undone by grief and loss
Your sting, O Grave, is in an unborn, much anticipated grandbaby
Who won’t be held and playfully teased by Grampa
Your sting, O Grave, is in the ache of adult children
Fast-tracked into a too-soon intimacy with you
Your sting, O Grave, is in a woman seized by your demand of immediate details
As she walks through a “veil of tears”
Your sting, O Grave, is in a beloved produce wheeler ‘n’ dealer, torn from his roadside stand
You’ve left his family holding the bag
Your sting, O Grave, is in son, husband, father, and brother taken, taken much too soon
Leaving a gaping hole
“O Grave, where is thy sting?”
Do you really have to ask?
Really?
Do you have to ask?
Rhoda Martin says:
My thoughts and prayers have been with you this past week Judy. Your poem encompasses the emotions of Brian’s death so well.
Judy says:
Thanks Rhoda. It is a tough loss. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Marilyn Martin says:
Can the world not stop? Even pause to catch its breath? The empty, punched in the gut, where to from here? feelings. Many performances of Messiah repeat endlessly in my mind… ‘Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory? Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ? The very One Who keeps the world turning, Who designed the sweetness to keep flowing from the trees, that beautiful little one to keep developing for its arrival, full of hope. Papa would want it that way, for He’s seen Jesus. Catch your breath.
Judy says:
The world doesn’t stop, does it? And maybe, if we can catch our breath, there is a sense of healing in that very thing. Thanks, Marilyn, for your words.
Rosemary Martin says:
Ahh, Judy. The thoughts swirling through your mind feel familiar to me. Peace and comfort be to you all. I have thought much of you and Fred these last days.
We will miss Brian terribly as a friend, neighbour and longtime employee. Our comfort lies in the knowledge that he was openly ready to meet the One who has ultimately defeated death, that he lived life to the fullest in what he knew was borrowed time, and that he passed on his legacy of family values and steadfastness to his children.
Hugs and prayers, my friend.
Judy says:
Thanks Rose. Yes, you’ve travelled this road a time or two. His presence will be sorely missed by his apple family. It was good to hear about the impact he had there. Thanks for the prayers.
Mary Jane Horst says:
Praying for comfort and hope for all, Judy. Today it is 20 years since my sister and my nieces’ mother died, and I thank you for putting words to these long griefs.
Arlene Wagler Kornelsen says:
Ah Judy … so so sorry. Our hearts are raw as well … we just saw the grave claim our dear brother-in-law in the last week as well. Our condolences to you and yours!
Judy says:
I’m so sorry for your loss, Arlene. I hope you find balm for your raw heart. These are hard days. Thinking of you.
Judy says:
Thanks Mary Jane. Ahh dear… that was so sad. “Long griefs” – an apt naming.
Kit Sonoda says:
Yes and amen sister beautifully worded, this sting is known well. Our hearts ache for you and Fred during this time.
Judy says:
Thanks Kit. You’re right – this sting is well known. And each time, it stings afresh.
Hoping you and yours are doing well.