Pilgrimage - A Poem by Ione Rehm Hertweck and J.V.Harker

(In no way do I take credit for this poem...I took parts of the original, therefore it
should never be published anywhere. I only copied parts out of respect for it.)

If you should go before me, dear,
Across the Great Divide,
Won't you stop and rest awhile,
Just on the other side?

Do not fly into the sunlight,
Do not run off with friends;
Even though it must be a sight,
I'm right around the bends.

Yes, I'll be coming right along,
To walk again with you--
With you away, there's nothing here
That I should want to do.

At a blank T.V. screen, I'll stare,
And wish that you were here.
I'll finger a lock of your hair,
And pray that you were near.

I'll tend your flowers, and make your bed,
And close your desk and book,
I'll walk through all our little rooms,
And take one last, long look.

I'll remember how you sat,
In your deep old easy chair:
The firelight dancing in your eyes,
The lamp light on your hair.

I'll recall all those peaceful nights,
Just lying side by side;
I'll even think of many fights,
And how you cried and cried,

And then, I'll remember just why
I loved you, anyway.
While thinking of you, I may cry,
But love you, everyday.

I'll remember how you loved
To hear the Springtime rain,
Tapping out its busy song,
Against the window pane.

I'll sing the songs you used to play
On your old radio.
I'll speak the words you used to say,
As I watch the time go.

I'll visit friends, and nod my head
When they ask "Are you fine?"
I'll talk to you, although you're dead,
And I'll still call you mine.

I'll fold your clothes and pack away,
The things you loved so much--
The little hobby treasures
That you'd never let me touch.

And then, I'll draw the curtains,
And lower every shade,
And set it just inside the door,
The flower stand you made.

I'll sweep the porch and wind the clock,
And shut my desk drawer too--
Then, close the door so softly,
And cross the bridge, to you.


~Friday 14 August 2009~