Livet Efter döden

Sep 30, 2023 1 min read

Laura Crafton Gilpin var sjuksköterska, poet och förespråkare för sjukhusreformer. 1976 fick hon Walt Whitman Award av Academy of American Poets för sin poesibok "The Hocus-Pocus of the Universe". Hon var en av grundarna av Planetree, en organisation dedikerad till att främja patientcentrerad vård. Vad som följer är ett utdrag ur hennes kraftfulla dikt "Livet efter döden".

Livet efter döden IV

De saker jag vet:
hur de levande lever vidare
och hur de döda fortsätter att leva med dem

Alltså i en skog
även ett dött träd kastar en skugga
och löven faller ett efter ett
och grenarna brister i vinden
och barken lossnar långsamt
och stammen spricker
och regnet sipprar in genom springorna
och stammen faller till marken
och mossan täcker det

och på våren hittar kaninerna det
och bygga sitt bo inuti
och få sina ungar
och deras ungar kommer att leva säkert
inuti det döda trädet

Så att inget går till spillo i naturen
eller kär.

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17 PAST RESPONSES

ric loduha Dec 18, 2023

don't cry
when i die
i'm not leaving
i'm arriving

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.

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.

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.

Judy levine Sep 30, 2023

Kindness, humility and generosity are seeds of a good character planted in our next generation.

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.

Mimi Lozano Sep 30, 2023

Nothing is wasted in both life and the spirit, it just changes form.

Deanne Sep 30, 2023

Beautiful poetry. Sweet and a blessedly readable length.

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

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!

Zia Sep 30, 2023

Look into the religion of Islam. You will find all the answers.

Kristin Pedemonti Sep 30, 2023

Beautifully expressed, indeed our loved ones go on living and nourishing in so many ways.♡

Laurie Sep 30, 2023

Beautiful.

Patrick Sep 30, 2023

The “heart” knows what the mind has trouble with…

Kate Sep 30, 2023

I want that poem read at my memorial service. What a lovely way to look at aging and death!

Ruth Sep 30, 2023

Indeed, the Universe wastes nothing.

Nancy Anderson Sep 30, 2023

Beautiful sentiments expressed!