Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Poetry Wednesday, Vol. 83

After great pain, a formal feeling comes – (372)

by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson
After great pain, a formal feeling comes –
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs –
The stiff Heart questions ‘was it He, that bore,’
And ‘Yesterday, or Centuries before’?

The Feet, mechanical, go round –
A Wooden way
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought –
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone –

This is the Hour of Lead –
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow –
First – Chill – then Stupor – then the letting go –



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Loss and grief and death are the same, yet different, for everyone. We all must suffer heartache at some point in our lives. We all suffer differently.

Today the kids and I read about St. Diogratia, a bishop in the 5th century and his love for all men, for roman slaves. We read about his extraordinary efforts to buy freedom and shelter for enslaved families and his deep love for his fellow man. Because these strangers were made in the image of God, he felt they were worthy of his love.

What unites us in suffering, no matter how varied our experiences, is the fact that we are made in His image. We hurt for each other, we celebrate with each other, we love each other.

When you pray today, say a prayer for the Johnson family. They are saying good-bye to Beth's father. With our love and prayers for them.



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4 comments:

Emily Lorelli said...

Dickinson seems to have a poem for almost every moment. Lord have mercy on the Johnsons; may He be with them and their father/grandfather today and in the days to come.

Michelle said...

Kris,
Beautiful poem - my heart goes out to the Johnson family in this difficult time.

~Michelle

Molly Sabourin said...

Beautiful poem. Beautiful post. Thanks, Kris - for all you are.

Beth said...

Oh Kris, I was deeply moved by this poem, one which captures much of how I feel right now, and by your mention of our family. Thank you. Peace to you and your family. B