Passage of Time

The following poem summarizes my feelings about life. It was written during a time of reflection about the emotion of grief. I am an eight year Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor who was diagnosed at the age of 26. For me, this poem symbolizes the stages that I have either passed through or alternate between, with the passage of time. I hope that you are touched in someway by my sharing and that the passage of time is good to you. Many blessing!

Innocence

A beginning so sweet but unrecognized until lost

Its source is unconditional love

Its impact short lived, for difficulties in life are often premature

It is a protection that swells our sense of wellbeing

It is cherished

Even with the passage of time as innocence is forlorn, we continue to mourn the purity that once was.

Outwardly, we may try to refute our mortality 

Inwardly, we now believe that life has its boundaries

We are human

Grief

A pain so deep that it can be difficult to define in words

Its sources are varied

Its impact long lived, often for the rest of our lives to some degree

It is a sorrow that is felt in our bones

It is never forgotten

Even with the passage of time as healing occurs, a scar remains visible to the eye of our soul

Outwardly, the sadness may appear to have vanished

Inwardly, we know that we have been changed forever

We are grieving

Loss

A longing so intense for someone who we have dearly loved

Its source is death

Its impact life long, it pervades until we meet our Beloved again

It is a sadness that is felt in every cell of our being

It is ever present

Even with the passage of time as healing occurs, a wound dwells in the ruins of our broken heart

Outwardly, the aching may appear to have diminished

Inwardly, we know that we have lost a part of ourselves

We are mourning

Anger

A state that is inevitable when we are hurt

Its sources are many

Its impact intense, providing the opportunity for a deeper look inside

It is a fury that overtakes all other emotions

It is transforming

Even with the passage of time as life goes on, the ferocity of rage will resurface if not addressed

Outwardly, the storm may appear to have passed

Inwardly, we know that the hurricanes are still to come

We are so angry

Healing

A transformation that occurs as we find the strength to live again

Its source is Divine

Its impact filled with potential for a new tomorrow

It is a hope that is sensed by our spirit

It is omnipresent

Even with the passage of time as pain devastates, the light of hope hibernates in the core of our being

Outwardly, the light may appear to have been extinguished

Inwardly, we know that we are destined to trust again

We are healing

Living

A peace that we find when we can accept all that life has to offer

Its source is courage

Its impact crucial, a requirement for satisfying our destiny

It is a dream, longing to be fulfilled

It is today

Even with the passage of time as crises occur, our strength comes from knowing that this too shall pass

Outwardly, the scars show evidence of battles won and lost

Inwardly, we know that we are triumphant

We are living

Seeking

A knowing that propels us to look beyond ourselves 

Its source is Higher

Its impact extraordinary, beyond rational explanation 

It is a miracle waiting to be recognized 

It is Spirit

Even with the passage of time as we search and grow, we find that the destination is the journey itself

Outwardly, we struggle to maintain our faith 

Inwardly, we sense that this is our path back to innocence

We are seeking