Sunday 12 February 2012

A Walk In The Snow

for Joanna Haybittle
I walk in the snow
with the green grass
just beginning to show

I am calmed
and grow fearless
with each step

Gathering nothingness
listening to emptiness
fill herself

with birdsong
        and the crunch of ice
        and the sense of cold
        finally, taking me
by surprise.


© Shaista Tayabali, 2012
Joanna was the second daughter of my beloved friend Mary Haybittle, and her funeral takes place today. Can only pray for it to be a peaceful, blessed sort of day with the angels singing and listening in wait.

13 comments:

Sherry Blue Sky said...

How lovely. I felt the calm as I walked with you through your words.

ds said...

So lovely. Walking is just like that--"gathering nothingness/listening to emptiness/fill herself"--and we grow stronger and gain hope. Thank you.

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Lovely words and lovely photos...gentle affirmations for a winter's afternoon. Peace, Mary helen Fernandez stewart

Marcoantonio Arellano (Nene) said...

I felt a 'oneness' in the nothingness. Gracias!

Amélie said...

Wonderful snow poem. I feel like I'm walking with you. So calm...

Shaista said...

My snow poem is dedicated to Joanna Haybittle who lost her fight with cancer last week. Her mother Mary Haybittle is my dearest friend, my soul sister and mentor.

Jeanne-ming Brantingham said...

Shi,
So sorry. What a heartbreak.
Ming

Sara said...

May she rest in peace..

Lisa said...

I am saddened and sorry for your loss.

Garden girl Meryl said...

The poem is beautiful, I only heard of Joanna's sad death 2 days ago, She and her family were my best friends as I was growing up next door, we spent many hours together. We didn't keep in contact in adutlhood except via her parents who I still see occasionally, a real happiness from my past has gone.

hyperCRYPTICal said...

The poem is beautiful and a fine tribute to your friend.

Anna :o]

Unknown said...

I love your poem.

Joanna was actually my english tutor during my high school years. I miss her dearly.

I was at university when Roy told me of her death. Her and Roy became more than just my tutors, they became close friends.

Shaista said...

Dear Peggy,this has been a wonderful surprise hearing from you. I've just rung Joanna's mum Mary to tell her of your email. She was so surprised and pleased. I hope I hear from you again. Do write and let me know more of your memories of Joanna.
Thanks for writing, Shaista

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