Back to Stories

Життя після смерті

By Laura Gilpin
Sep 30, 2023 1 min read

Лаура Крафтон Гілпін була медсестрою, поетесою та прихильницею реформи лікарень. У 1976 році Академія американських поетів присудила їй премію Волта Вітмена за її поетичну книгу «Фокус-покус Всесвіту». Вона була одним із засновників Planetree, організації, яка займається просуванням лікування, орієнтованого на пацієнта. Далі наведено уривок із її потужної поеми «Життя після смерті».

Життя після смерті IV

Те, що я знаю:
як живі продовжують жити
і як мертві продовжують жити з ними

Так в лісі
навіть мертве дерево відкидає тінь
і листя падає одне за одним
і гілки ламаються на вітрі
а кора повільно знімається
і стовбур тріскається
і дощ просочується крізь щілини
і стовбур падає на землю
і мох покриває його

а навесні зайці знаходять
і будують своє гніздо всередині
і мати своїх молодих
і їхні дитинчата житимуть безпечно
всередині мертвого дерева

Щоб у природі нічого не пропало
або закоханий.

Share this story:

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

17 PAST RESPONSES

User avatar
ric loduha Dec 18, 2023
don't cry
when i die
i'm not leaving
i'm arriving
Reply
User avatar
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.
Reply
User avatar
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.
Reply
User avatar
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.
Reply
User avatar
Judy levine Sep 30, 2023
Kindness, humility and generosity are seeds of a good character planted in our next generation.
Reply
User avatar
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.
Reply
User avatar
Mimi Lozano Sep 30, 2023
Nothing is wasted in both life and the spirit, it just changes form.
Reply
User avatar
Deanne Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful poetry. Sweet and a blessedly readable length.
Reply
User avatar
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
User avatar
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!
User avatar
Zia Sep 30, 2023
Look into the religion of Islam. You will find all the answers.
User avatar
Kristin Pedemonti Sep 30, 2023
Beautifully expressed, indeed our loved ones go on living and nourishing in so many ways.♡
Reply
User avatar
Laurie Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful.
Reply
User avatar
Patrick Sep 30, 2023
The “heart” knows what the mind has trouble with…
Reply
User avatar
Kate Sep 30, 2023
I want that poem read at my memorial service. What a lovely way to look at aging and death!
Reply
User avatar
Ruth Sep 30, 2023
Indeed, the Universe wastes nothing.
Reply
User avatar
Nancy Anderson Sep 30, 2023
Beautiful sentiments expressed!
Reply