Friends, this is the time of year when the pastor and his wife are very, very busy, so I will be taking a break between now and around New Year’s Day. But I had to post this poem at Real Toads’ Open Link Monday and at my poetic oasis, Poets United. This event happened today… it reminded me that there is so much to be grateful for, even as the nation mourns this week’s gun violence.
Take a moment to hug your kids and PLEASE let them know that, no matter what their friends say on Facebook, the world is NOT coming to an end on the 21st. I’m serious – kids are committing suicide and having panic attacks over the Mayan stuff. OK, a poem, like I promised!
MARIAN, MERLIN, AND ME
Marian
in her twilight years, and yet
the youngest soul in our church
Merlin
beloved husband, now at peace
and Marian said, “Amy, please play”
Singer
behind the piano at the funeral home
with songs, all familiar to this jazz baby
Gospel
to Anne Murray and “Wing Beneath My Wings,”
closing with “My Way”
Marian
said, “I want lively songs for Merlin,
no ‘old rugged’ anything!”
Merlin
left words to live by: “Pace yourself,”
“Nothing’s worth getting that worked up about.”
God
take Merlin into your arms and
shelter Marian’s strong but wounded heart
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
I was honored to be asked by Marian, our favorite “praise band fan” at Lake Edge UCC in Madison, to play for her dear husband’s funeral. When I found out what she asked for, I was amazed. A really rocking gospel tune I had written, “Closer Than Close,” and “My Way,” delivered in the Sinatra style: uncompromising and rousing…
I am blessed to know this woman, who wanted a true celebration of her husband’s life, and twice blessed to minister with my husband, Lex. In the midst of the tragedies of the past weeks, there was something about being at a funeral where people were free to tell funny stories about Grandpa, or free to tearfully say that none of her friends at school even HAD a great-grandpa and how lucky she was to have known him… All of it, the tears and the joy, echoed by the baby grand. As ABBA wrote, I say to God: “Thank You for the music.” Blessings and peace to you all, Amy
Dec 18, 2012 @ 16:48:08
How wonderful! And as you say – a welcome break from the sadness which feels at time unrelenting, that has gone before. Thanks Ames.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 16:48:24
Aw Amy, you got me all teary. That is beautiful! You are right, we are so blessed to have these wonderful people in our lives. I am always thankful for you, your poetry, your comments, your voice and your honesty. Much love and Merry Wishes to you and your family. *hugs* (I’m going to be taking a break too)
Dec 18, 2012 @ 17:01:06
How sweet of you Amy! Such a wonderful thing to do. Having seen what transpired this week one just can’t help but be in sympathy with friends, parents, and kids. Resigned to the fact that many are prepared to assist and render their utmost to make life as normal again. You’ve shown the way.You’re just wonderful, Amy! Since you’ll be away till the New Year taking this opportunity to wishing you and Lex Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy your vacation for the festive season, Ma’am!
Hank
Dec 18, 2012 @ 17:31:47
It’s a lovely poem, Amy, simple and the more moving for it. I don’t share your faith, but this is about love in the real world, which is what unites us all.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 17:50:43
smiles…what a fun funeral that must have been…i like that she chose untraditional songs but songs that spoke to her and others about him…i hope you have a wonderful christmas…
Dec 18, 2012 @ 18:48:13
So very lovely. k.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 19:09:38
How wonderful, Amy. You’re right, the world is not coming to an end in three days. I met some Mayans a few years ago, and their calendar is just going to start all over again. So sad to think teenagers are killing themselves. It is such a mix of emotions, being a teenager. I’m no longer young at all, but I remember how it felt.
Thanks for visiting my blog today.
See you again soon, I hope.
K
Dec 18, 2012 @ 19:43:29
Lovely, Amy. Now that kind of celebration of life I could totally get behind. I’ll bet Merlin was nearby, tapping his toe. Marian sounds like our kinda gal. Loved this. So much.
Dec 18, 2012 @ 20:36:37
You’re right. People, even ones who are usually rational, find the threat of EOW too unsettling/
Dec 18, 2012 @ 21:27:22
Hope there is fun mixed with the busy, Amy.
Have a great holiday!
Dec 18, 2012 @ 21:42:45
Feliz Navidad y nos vemos pronto, Amelita.
Paz,
Pamelita
Dec 19, 2012 @ 01:18:06
Really special, Amy. God bless you and your family, now and always!
Dec 19, 2012 @ 05:07:10
I’m so glad to have found your poetry, and this, on this day.
Dec 19, 2012 @ 09:50:34
You, dear talented, loving and kind Amy, are the blessing. You are a light. You are love. Merry Christmas.
http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2012/12/17/moses-like/
Dec 19, 2012 @ 11:29:31
I like how you are ringing in the Holiday. This is very wistful.
Merry Christmas, my poet friend.
Dec 19, 2012 @ 13:48:27
Merlin sounds a great guy. I want Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’ at my service, and Kenton’s ‘Intermission Riff’ on the way to the grave site. So There!! Happy, Blessed Christmas Amy & All. Leigh (Altonian)
Dec 24, 2012 @ 11:26:31
I know you’re busy… missing you and wishing you a very Merry Christmas, Amy!
http://www.kimnelsonwrites.com/2012/12/24/precious-and-divine/
Dec 27, 2012 @ 08:05:25
Thank you for the music is my favourite Abba song, and I thank God for music every day. The funeral must have been good. We planned the music for ours ages ago, but keep changing it.
Enjoy your rest, Amy. You’ve earned it.
Dec 28, 2012 @ 21:10:22
I’d've liked to hear your rousing rendition of My Way! That’s my kind of funeral.
xo
Dec 30, 2012 @ 12:31:47
Another great offering from the Sharp Little Pencil. As the Mayan calender was not correct, I will see you on the other side of the new year.
Tim
Jan 01, 2013 @ 11:24:27
It seems death is the really hard one, in life. Yes, we are lucky to have been enriched by that person, but what do we do with the sorrow? It sounds like a wonderful funneral because of you!