Saturday 27 February 2010

Footsteps


If I should die tomorrow
there would be many sorrows
but the deeper print
of my name
would carry you through
the pain

And if you should hear me laugh
I am only playing a game
Hold on, hold on, to the centre
until I find my way again.




I posted part of this poem before, in May last year while I was still battling it out in hospital. I am re-posting it with a new verse, for my blogfriend Renee, whose battle with Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer, has been described by the doctors as the beginning of the end. Awful phrase. Renee would scoff at it, if she felt more like herself. It is an extraordinary experience to have one's life touched so deeply by a stranger impossible to meet in this lifetime. But she has left her print upon me, the deepest imprint of her name. Renee. Find your way, Renee.

31 comments:

Maggie May said...

This is a beautiful reaching out. I can see Renee touched so many and I wish also for her peace.

Unknown said...

Expressive and touching.

Eila said...

Beautiful:)

mermaid gallery said...

Our blogging shows us how small our world is. People touch us through this expanding medium. We feel pain, joy, beauty, and we are moved. It's an elusive friendship but it is real.

karen said...

This is a beautiful poem for Renee. Blogging certainly has put me in touch with a world of beautiful people. You included. Renee has left her comments on my blog, and I have traveled back to read them once again. She is already missed. The genuine love we share here is comforting to a world full of uncertainty.
Be well my friend.
sending you my love,
karen...and maggie sends her pooch affection too.

Sam Liu said...

Beautifully written, a touching and affecting piece.

Jo said...

Omigod, I wish her peace on her final journey. How awful, and how sad for her family. It breaks my heart. She is too young.

What a beautiful poem.

lupie said...

This is beautiful ..
I pray that Renee finds her strength to continue, though it is near to end ..

* said...

No words for this, just (sob). Thank you for reminding me, gently, how others have touched me, too.

Arija said...

Renee leaves a hole in so many hearts including mine.
A lovely tribute.

Ps. Where you are, you are going into Spring we here at the end of the earth are heading into the wonders of autumn if only the rains finally decide to come.

Ruth said...

You've caught the mystery, the circle of life in your few short lines, Shaista. You touch me, as does Renee.

Totalfeckineejit said...

Lovely picture, beautiful poem. Renee will find her way.

Karen said...

This is a lovely poem of comfort.

Rachel Fox said...

So gently reassuring. It works like lullabies do.
x

Dr. Jeanne Iris said...

The word verification right now is 'arorra'... close to aurora, isn't it? Your words are enlightening. Lupus is a condition in my family, too. Blessings to you and all whom you touch.

Batteson.Ind said...

oh.. man!... this is heart breaking stuff.. but with such a message of peace.. "it's alright, it'll be alright".... that's what I felt. just beautiful :-)

Emerging Writer said...

Hold on, hold on, to the centre ...lovely

NanU said...

The way can be so hard to find, and when you think you have, off it goes again, to be refound just when you're not looking.
Peace!

Kat Mortensen said...

Such a beautiful piece. I'm sure it is of consolation to your friend.

Kat

Kitty Moore said...

Very beautiful and emotive x

Tess Kincaid said...

Beautiful, Shaista. I don't know Renee, but I'm saying a little prayer for her today.

Peter Goulding said...

A beautiful almost serene piece

Titus said...

As so many have said, this is beautiful, but as with Peter above, it is also serene and accepting. I love the feeling transmitted in your words, which are gentle yet moving.
My love to you both.

Lucy Fur Leaps said...

Just want to let you know that I'm passing the Beautiful Blogger Award to you, which I received from Lyn at Two Ghosts. Please pick up at my blog http://www.lucyfurleaps.blogspot.com
Take care x
Lucy

Guusje said...

beautiful...

Juniper said...

What a beautiful poem and your explanation of your friend , your friendship and what she is going through, extremely moving. Your words touch many my dear.

Aayushi Mehta said...

what a beautiful verse...loved it...and the story was really touching...Renee will be in my prayers..

Anonymous said...

Thank you my dear dear friend for your words and prayers for my brother. Please tell Renee in your prayers that my heart is also with her.

xox

Isabel

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Lorenzo — Alchemist's Pillow said...

I read and was moved by this poem dedicated to Renee a few days ago. I have revisited it today on learning that she has "gotten her wings" and is no longer suffering. Beautiful tribute, Shaista. I know there is much pain for you today, but I just stopped by to let you know I was thinking of you ...

Bee said...

Poignant.
One of my dear friends started her first round of chemo (for breast cancer) today. The frailties/struggles of our physical selves touch us all, in one way or another.

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