Poetry of healing and dying

While in training to become a Hospice Chaplain I wrote many poems seeking to integrate the incredible lessons my patients were teaching me as I made my rounds in the hospital. These were collected in a chapbook: Gifts of Suffering.  I went on to become a Hospice Chaplain 2000-2005 and wrote many more poems, however these are still in my journals. One day they may show up here ... 

April 28, 2000

Reflection

She sees in my eyes the eyes of her mother. 

He sees in my face the honesty he longs to express.

He hears in my words the message that's no longer hidden in his heart.

I come so that the song of their soul can find its melody.

I come to put mirrors around the flicker of their flame.

I come to wrap us in a blanket of love and snuggle together in its warmth.

I come to pull the stinger out of their anger. 

I come so that the river of tears may flow freely

and wash the sadness from their valley of despair. 

I come to ease the pain of loneliness with my ears and a prayer.

At my best, I am but the touch and voice of their own soul.

A ventriloquist's puppet for their inner voice.

The audible echo of the silent song of God. 

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More poems to come...

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