Death, Life in Faith, Poetry

Pallbearing

What is the heft of a quiet life 
that her grandchildren carry today?
More than the weight of a mother and wife 
as they solemnly march to her grave.

They bear the imprint of soft, storied arms 
from her lifelong earnest art 
honed by the tasks of family and farm 
and a gentle, loving heart.  

Heavy their hearts as the memories gel 
and the tears of loss consume, 
but lighter their steps at the thought of her smile 
that accompanies them to her tomb.

The worker performs his lowering job.
Her children toss earth on the chest 
containing her form but never her love 
that survives to inspire and to bless.

12 thoughts on “Pallbearing”

  1. Deb,

    What a beautiful loving tribute to your mother-in-law. I’m so sorry for your loss. Leann

    On Thu, Nov 11, 2021 at 4:15 PM saint sinner seeker wrote:

    > Deb Mechler posted: ” Funeral of Eunice Mechler, October 25, 2021 What is > the heft of a quiet life that her grandchildren carry today? More than the > weight of a mother and wife as they solemnly march to her grave. They bear > the imprint of soft, storied arms from ” >

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  2. Beautiful, touching poem! Sending hugs! Rest in peace, Eunice!

    Claudette Reid

    On Thu, Nov 11, 2021, 5:15 PM saint sinner seeker wrote:

    > Deb Mechler posted: ” Funeral of Eunice Mechler, October 25, 2021 What is > the heft of a quiet life that her grandchildren carry today? More than the > weight of a mother and wife as they solemnly march to her grave. They bear > the imprint of soft, storied arms from ” >

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  6. Deb, I absolutely love this.
    How would you feel about my using this poem eventually in my Mom’s funeral bulletin? Just thinking ahead. I would be sure to check with you before doing so. I hope it won’t be too soon, but we never know.

    Thanks for sharing this, as always.

    Tammi

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