Mari Isaacson

Have you suffered loss? A loved one? A friend? Even an acquaintance? There have been different friends and family members of mine who have suffered loss in the last few months and I am always at a loss as to what to say. It doesn’t mean I care any less. My heart really goes out to you. For I too have suffered loss: Some recent. Some not so recent.

Thus, I would like to dedicate my article this week to you. This poem is a result of some of the deeper losses I have experienced. Though life does go on, those losses will always tug at my memory, reminding me of special people who will never be forgotten.

Even if your loss was not even recent, this poem is for you. Hopefully it will be a blessing to you: A hug in your time of sorrow. This is my hug to you. Thank you for taking the time to let me grieve with you.

Engraved On My Heart

by Mari Isaacson

I looked for your face:

Those eyes full of expression,

The many facets of your moods,

Your laughing lips.

But now there are only shadows,

So changeable in the wind.

I listened for your voice:

The talks,

Your humming and singing,

Your laughter.

But now there are just whispers,

Hidden well within the walls.

With you things were different:

You sought me out,

You spent time with me,

You were always there for me.

I know,

To you I was very important.

Please don’t let me forget:

Your humor,

Your tenderness,

Your capacity to listen.

Everything, really,

Was a treasured gift.

You were a part of me:

My brother,

My friend,

My confidant.

The separation hurts,

It tears at my soul.

There are moments when I still sense you:

A fragrance that was like you,

An object that was from you,

An experience that we had together.

The memories,

They bring tears to my eyes.

But then I think, what if:

You never existed?

Our paths had never crossed?

You had never loved me?

My life,

It would be totally different.

There will be a reunion in Heaven:

You are gone,

I can’t cling to you anymore,

I must leave you in God’s hands.

For this,

I am so grateful to God.

Looking back I have my regrets:

That I held you at a distance,

That I was too afraid of disappointment,

That I was silent about my true feelings.

The time is past,

It’s just too late.

I did love you:

Even when the pain is less today than yesterday,

Even when the tears no longer stream,

Even when your face is no longer clear in my mind.

Believe me,

You’re eternally engraved on my heart.

Blessings,

mari