To Irene....a Celebration of Life

Last week, an English friend, here in our nearby village died suddenly, after enduring for months the rigours of medicine and health care. Upbeat and loving life till the end she left a sadness of a journey but shortly shared.I tried to support in my own small way with short posts and caring words. Hoping my own  illness and thoughts would somehow help. But as was inevitable she sadly died.

I write, its how I cope, its my voice in the shadows, my hope for a picture to make sense of my 'Grey Jigsaw'. So yesterday I penned a poem, which is here to share. Not a life lost, more a life well lived and a soul well loved.

Today was the funeral, a different very French affair; secular, practical, beautiful, even delicate in how it allowed us all to morn. She was there with us, alive in our eyes, touching our hearts and each remembering....a real celebration of her life.

So here it is,

To Irene…….

A friend but just a short while, a life full and fine.

I’ll never know you better, our lives will not entwine.

You made people smile, opened up their minds.

You reached out for hope, not close the blinds.

To strive for love, to begin anew.

With courage fine your ‘poppy’ blew.

In care and humour and forthright fair,

You engaged the world, not sit & stare.

Life by its braces, lived to the brim.

Laughter and love and follow that whim.

To all who remember and knew you so well.

A sadness, a sigh but stories to tell.

And we look on now at a friend too soon lost.

A friendship not blossomed, your life the cost.

But first days of autumn will now always be,

In memory of Irene, steadfast ‘poppy’.

And as the wind blows, those dancing flower heads

We’ll remember your smile alive in those ‘reds’.

And the colours of autumn will play in our heart

Testament to your life and love not apart.

We’ll smile at the beauty, remember your name.

Alive ever constant, the memories remain.