Sunday, September 21, 2008

Poetry Train Monday - 67 - Mission

Today's poem is dedicated to my friend Pam Langille, who passed away last July and whose memorial service is coming up this Friday. There are two services, actually, one at 4:00 pm at St. Andrew's United Church in Halifax and one at 6:00 pm at the North Street Church, also in Halifax.

I'm posting a poem by one of Canada's brilliant voices - Leonard Cohen.

The first picture shows the Hemlock Ravine in Halifax/Bedford, because Pam was a passionate advocate of the Acadian forest and spoke very lovingly of hemlocks. The second photo was taken of Pam's resting place at the foot of an old hemlock in the woodland of a great friend of hers.















Mission


I've worked at my work
I've slept at my sleep
I've died at my death
And now I can leave
Leave what is needed
And leave what is full
Need in the Spirit
And need in the Hole
Beloved, I'm yours
As I've always been
From marrow to pore
From longing to skin
Now that my mission
Has come to its end:
Pray I'm forgiven
The life that I've led
The Body I chased
It chased me as well
My longing's a place
My dying a sail

- Leonard Cohen

11 comments:

Dorothy said...

That was a lovely poem. The tribute was very nice. I like the idea of being planted in a forest when I die and have just a stone to mark my passing.

Kelly Boyce said...

That's a great poem. I'm a HUGE Leonard fan.

Anonymous said...

beautiful wreath, touching memorial--

good for you for staying on the train!

Wylie Kinson said...

A beautiful poem and beautiful tribute to your friend.

Akelamalu said...

What a lovely poem Julia and a fitting tribute to your friend.

Tempest Knight said...

Wonderful poem, Julia. Sorry to hear of your friend's passing.

Annette Gallant said...

What a wonderful tribute to your friend, Julia. I think it's great that her final resting place is one that was so close to her heart.

Amy Ruttan said...

A very nice tribute Julia.

Akelamalu said...

You know you said you like memes Julia? Well I'm tagging you for another one tomorrow m'dear, hope you don't mind. x

Shelley Munro said...

That's a lovely poem and a lovely tribute your friend. I liked the photos as well.

Jennifer McKenzie said...

That was beautiful.
RIP Pam Langille. You'll be in my thoughts Julia.