This is
The anniversary
Of
Janie's, my sister's birthday -
But
I remember
More Poignantly
Her death day.
I was there
With her,
Alone.
The others were in another room
They couldn't bear it.
I held her hand.
She asked,
"Why are you here?"
And
I could not say,
"I came to help you die,
To say 'Goodbye'
On
Your death day."
Instead, I said,
"I came to say 'Hello'"
Written By Addie W. Williams
July 1983
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Reviews of "At My Sisters Deathbed"
Reviewed by Todd-Michael St. Pierre (Reader)
Reviewed on February 27, 2004
Of course, from my own experiences, I know that I truly wasn't saying good-bye & that my sorrow wasn't because they had made that crossing/metamorphosis--- as much as it was about "me" missing them & remembering what they represented in my life. How many times, I reached for that phone to call my grandmother, forgetting she had passed on to a better world, one that has no prejudice or war or politics or religions, so having said that, I defend the right to grieve, it is a right of all mere mortals & a time to become enlightened & a time to move on & grow up... essential to all in this realm! Some have Reason born out of Rage & some find their path & their true self through the passing of a parent or person that they find they really loved a lot more than they actually knew when that person was among the living! Peace Out!
Using Calgary as a backdrop the author satirizes the self-serving nature of the public as it continues to fatten itself, not only physically, but egotistically as well.
Allen
::tears:: i'm sorry for your loss
what a beautifully penned, emotional tribute to your sister
(((((HUGS))))) and love, karla. :(
I'm sure holding her hand meant the world
to her.
*Linda*