September 22, 2010

Ada Lee Gilpin

"hurry son, hurry."
he made a mistake. he came for me. but took you instead
and now i am walking to the car, family at my side
as my son is lowered into the ground.
his brother, stronger than most
has placed the first of the dirt on your ashes
and i couldn't watch.
i had to leave
and as i left, i saw the squirrels playing in the trees
the deer running across the lawns
and the trees, all green with life.

in a place so full of beauty
and life
this is where i leave you.
your mortal body,
in the ground.
with the green vivaciousness all around you

he made a mistake when he took you.
he should have taken me instead.


Guy Allen Carmichael

Don't worry mommy,
there was no mistake.
i am here.

Don't worry mommy,
please don't cry anymore
let your family ease your pain
for i am free.

Don't worry mommy,
i know that you are angry
but don't blame God,
he brought me here
and i am happy.

Don't worry mommy,
you are strong.
and yes, it is unfair
but this place is beautiful
you'll see someday.
and i know
that i am loved.



Kelsey Franceine Carmichael

i have only seen my father cry once before
he was sitting behind a nurses station
calling his family
to tell them his father had died.

and now, as he placed the dirt on his brother's ashes
he choked up
and i saw the pain in his face
it grew a little redder
a little sadder
and a little older
but he held me in his arms afterwards
and i let him cry.