Monday, June 11, 2012

If I Must Leave You

This morning, as I was sweeping the floor, one of those terrible thoughts crept up on me.

You know the ones – about how awful it would be to lose a loved one, or die yourself and leave your loved ones behind? We all have them, just like we all probably have the same daydreams about what we’d do if we won a few million dollars. But mostly, we try to quickly push those scary thoughts aside because it’s terrifying to imagine.

This morning, though, I thought about what I’d want my girls to know if I was suddenly taken away from them. And the answer came to me in a poem. (Yikes) Or at least, a bunch of phrases that rhyme. Kind of.

So, I stopped what I was doing and wrote it down.

I don’t normally write poems, (for good reason) but since it’s such a rare occurrence, I thought I’d share it here.

If I Must Leave You

If I must leave you before our time is through,
know that you will miss me, and I will miss you.

Life will seem long and you’ll wonder where I am.
But for me, it will pass quickly, and I’ll again hold your hand.

Until then, I am near you, every time you may need me.
I hope you will feel me, even if you can’t see me.

Where I am, there is no shame– no reason to hide.
There is nothing that would keep me from being by your side.

We are what we are – and what we are is love,
each a small piece of the great body above.

-         K.L. Mills

Am I the only one who’s had their thoughts start rhyming spontaneously? I hope you all had a great weekend!

*CQG*








32 comments:

S.A. Larsenッ said...

What a nice gift to wake up to this morning. Lovely, Katie.;D

Allowing our thoughts to travel these kinds of roads can lead to great self-discovery. It can also put life into perspective.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Lovely poem! My thoughts don't usually rhyme but I have had those kinds of thoughts too--usually when I'm driving.

Laura Pauling said...

Very nice. I think we all have those random thoughts at time esp. when we have children or loved ones that depend on us. I know my kids ask me sometimes if they'd ever have to go to an orphanage and I tell them over and over that they have lots of lovely families. I think the orphanage fear comes from books! :)

Sarah said...

I agree, lovely. There's something so powerful about being a parent, and it's hard to think of not being there for one's children. I love how you channeled that into something beautiful and positive!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wonderful words to leave your kids.
I admit, I try not to think about it.

TC Avey said...

Yeah, I sometimes find my thoughts rhyme. I also have times my mind travels down these roads.
Nice words to leave your kids.

Jessica Bell said...

So very sweet! :o)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Lovely poem. I admire you for being able to stop everything and write something so sweet.

Anonymous said...

Lovely thoughts, lovely poem. Only rarely have I had rhymes spontaneously come to mind - and usually I forget them again by the time I've grabbed the pen and paper.

Tamara Narayan said...

I love the poem. It has a Dr. Suess vibe, but in a sweeter way. I speak in rhymes around my kids to make them laugh.

As for thinking about sudden death--it happens, but it's hard to put a positive spin on it like you did. I usually force myself to think of other things.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Rhyme is not my forte, but I like the sentiments in the poem!

Yeah, I have those morbid thoughts about death. Lately, I have them while driving, because so many of the people on the road are crazy. (If I get killed by a speeding, texting, tailgater, please let everybody know I had a premonition about it. Want to make sure I get the paranormal credit.)

Connie Keller said...

I hope you print it up and keep it in a folder for your children. Even if you are blessed to live to a ripe old age, I'm sure they'll always appreciate it.

I wish I could write poetry, but rhyme and meter aren't my forte. :(

jaybird said...

This post hits home. My sister died way too soon, and left behind her two young children. I was forced to dwell on this topic, but honestly, if not for her, I would not have done so.

I learned so much from my beautiful sister, but one of the things she did, was write letters to her girls, to be opened when she was gone.

I started to write my own letters to my girls, once a month, just in case. Hopefully, they will not need to see them anytime soon, but I feel better, knowing they are there.

Gina Dickerson said...

What a beautiful piece and wonderful to read and, of course, sad. I agree these are difficult things to think of, although you created a lovely poem from such thoughts and one which can mean so much to so many as well.

Unknown said...

Aw, I loved this. I have thoughts like that, too. This was just beautiful! If my thoughts are even in rhyme, it's more like a terrible limerick. :D

Anonymous said...

In my humble opinion, poetry has the capacity to express emotions and feelings which no other form of writing is able to do. For me, your poem was driven by the love and concern you have for your family - and the words flowed with a passion and such heartfelt thoughts - a poem was the natural and unique vehicle to relay these emotions. I hope you write more of them. Best wishes. Jeff.

Matthew MacNish said...

It's something that terrifies me (and my nightmares) all the time.

I think this is a lovely way to express how you feel. Make sure you share it with your kids.

Christine Danek said...

What a great poem. It's lovely.
I try not to think about this, but it does invade my nightmares at times.
Thanks for sharing.

Old Kitty said...

Awww lovely Katie! You are making me cry! Awwwww! Take care
x

Meredith said...

I adore this poem, especially the last couplet--just beautiful. Thanks for sharing it!

LTM said...

omg, I am so in love w/this poem and the whole idea. Although I don't like the idea that inspired it! Still, it's a gorgeous thing to do. I haven't had rhyming thoughts lately, but I'm going to try and write my girls a poem now. Have a wonderful day~ :o) <3

Laura S. said...

That's a beautiful poem, Katie. Thanks for sharing it with us, but I hope you don't ever have to share this with your girls until they're old, old ladies!

~Sia McKye~ said...

Katie, it's lovely.

Most of my poetry has its roots in important emotional moments.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I have thought about doing this before, but haven't. I need to get on that. This is really well written.

Jemi Fraser said...

That is lovely. Those thoughts are indeed terrifying - I'm glad you wrote this response down. :)

Marsha Sigman said...

Beautiful. But slightly depressing.ha

I don't usually rhyme,
I mean who has the time?
But I do love your post,
maybe this one the most.

I scare myself a little.

DL Hammons said...

Awwwww. So perfectly sweet...and honest. Legacy has been a theme lately, and that is a great one! Good for you!! :)

Angela said...

Oh my, that is such a sweet poem. I almost got misty eyed while reading it.

Alleged Author said...

This is beautiful!

LD Masterson said...

Lovely. I have had a few attacks of sponteneous poetry and some worked their was into my blog. But the topic of this one, I try not to think about.

Talli Roland said...

What a wonderful poem, Katie. You should write them more often!

Emily White said...

Oh, this is so lovely. I love it so much!

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