“A Conversation with Thomas”

“A Conversation with Thomas”

Heavenly bells rang to the bottom of the hill,
Across the silence you left behind—
The planes flew right over our willow-bent heads
As we quietly laid you to rest—
My voice shook like the falling leaves and
I swallowed the cold air that blew a rhyme,
A song to your sweet and gentle name,
The name your mother heard in a dream’s breath.

Mother wept as she felt the hard earth that would
Embrace you until she holds you again—
And I, clasping my hands, praying the Spirit’s voice
To fill my soul, blessed your little grave—
The wind chilled my skin but light burst from
Within, for truths I once only welcomed,
Accepting in faith like a child but now having it
Upon my heavy heart engraved.

Family and friends from both sides of the veil
Stood near as sentinels of Love and Light—
Some wept your departure and some your return,
For you’re loved by angels and mortals—
Time and death are our measuring rods
While you hold Eternity in your gentle eyes;
But God has promised through His Son’s perfect
Gift you’d be ours at Life’s closing portals.

My son, my little one, I do not weep in grief
But in gratitude for your choosing Mom and me—
For honoring us with your greatness and strength,
Your purity, which calls us all back “Home”—
Do not forget us as we cannot forget you,
Whisper your love as your name we’ll often speak.
And son, embrace your mom each Mother’s Day
As she alone carried you like sweet Mary’s own.

* a tribute to Carl and Emily Sandquist for their greatness and strength, for their understanding and love for their little son Thomas which they shared with me in a sacred manner. These are thought and feelings I believed Carl had as he dedicated Thomas’ plot of earth.

I hope it is not disrespectful to either one of you Sandquist.