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死後の世界

By Laura Gilpin
Sep 30, 2023 1 min read

ローラ・クラフトン・ギルピンは看護師、詩人、そして病院改革の提唱者でした。1976年、彼女は詩集『宇宙のホーカス・ポーカス』でアメリカ詩人アカデミーからウォルト・ホイットマン賞を受賞しました。彼女は、患者中心のケアを推進する団体「プラネタリー」の創設メンバーの一人でもありました。以下は、彼女の力強い詩「死後の世界」からの抜粋です。

死後の世界IV

私が知っていること：
生きている者がどのように生き続けるか
そして死者も彼らと共に生き続ける

森の中で
枯れ木でさえ影を落とす
そして葉は一枚ずつ落ちていく
風で枝が折れる
そして樹皮はゆっくりと剥がれていく
そして幹が割れる
雨が隙間から浸み込んでくる
そして幹は地面に落ちる
そして苔がそれを覆っている

そして春になるとウサギはそれを見つける
そして巣を中に作る
そして子供を産む
そしてその子供たちは安全に暮らすだろう
枯れ木の中に

自然の中で無駄なものがないように
あるいは恋をしている。

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17 PAST RESPONSES

User avatar
ric loduha Dec 18, 2023
don't cry
when i die
i'm not leaving
i'm arriving
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Cindy Oct 9, 2023
As I mourn the loss of my child, this poem, this insight, is the only comfort I have experienced. Its druidic perspective resonates in a way nothing else can, for me. Thankyou thankyou.
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Jude Cassel Williams Oct 1, 2023
The poem speaks to me on the occasion of the death of a dear friend and teacher, David Patten who has been characterized as a "mighty oak" who has fallen but as the poem suggests, goes on living thru us who will carry his teachings and example until we too join him in the forest of death and continue his legacy.
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Silvana Oct 1, 2023
Indeed, "nothing is wasted in nature or in love". Nothing is wasted because everything is...Life...Energy...constantly transforming, taking on new forms, reaching other levels of expression...ad infinitum? Meditating on Infinity and Eternity is so relaxing and liberating.
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Judy levine Sep 30, 2023
Kindness, humility and generosity are seeds of a good character planted in our next generation.
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Stan White Sep 30, 2023
As I cruise through life I realize that I'm just occupying this experienced body that was issued to me while Herbert Hoover was president, and trying to use it as intelligently as possible. When it wears out I'll simply shed it. Age? I am timeless as are all beings who exercise their capacity to love.
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Mimi Lozano Sep 30, 2023
Nothing is wasted in both life and the spirit, it just changes form.
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Deanne Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful poetry. Sweet and a blessedly readable length.
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Paula Schneider Sep 30, 2023
This is just remarkable and it comes in a time of mourning for me. I am also reading a lovely book on how the two worlds are intertwined and work together to move humans closer to the Infinite Light, Walking in the Garden of Souls by George Anderson. This information is so real and so true. All of humanity will benefit from it on that great day we all KNOW.
Reply 2 replies: Kay, Zia
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Kay Sep 30, 2023
I read that book too and found it inspiring and so enjoyable to read. In fact, it’s in my re-readable pile!
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Zia Sep 30, 2023
Look into the religion of Islam. You will find all the answers.
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Kristin Pedemonti Sep 30, 2023
Beautifully expressed, indeed our loved ones go on living and nourishing in so many ways.♡
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Laurie Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful.
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Patrick Sep 30, 2023
The “heart” knows what the mind has trouble with…
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Kate Sep 30, 2023
I want that poem read at my memorial service. What a lovely way to look at aging and death!
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Ruth Sep 30, 2023
Indeed, the Universe wastes nothing.
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Nancy Anderson Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful sentiments expressed!
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