Words for Remembrance at a time of Cremation
I wrote this to accompany the time of cremation of a dear friend who was far away. Sometimaes the rituals that surround the passing of those we love cannot be shared in person with everyone who loves them, but words read at the same time, a simple candle-lighting or solitary vigils can make us feel connected across the miles.
For Rosemary
When the vessel that carried you forth into life
Can no longer hold water
We feel it seeping down through the cracks
And fear new life will never come
But clay does not grieve its return to earth,
To fire, to the kiln that birthed it
It can be broken again and again and lose nothing
Rich ash is needed for this autumn’s soil and next year’s flowers
Not one molecule is gone, only transformed
So the love and lessons, the joy and struggle
Now find their home in our hearts
Inheritors, progeny, lifelong friends
Each carrying a part of a whole that will never leave us
Mortal beings with immortal souls
With a sprig of Rosemary for remembrance
Tucked forever into our hearts