Derek Mikel Shepherd, my nephew
born February 24, 1980 - August 14, 2012
I watched as his father became the priest
presiding over his son's ashes
as they were strewn across the city-light-spattered bay
guiding his life fire
into the night sky's outgoing breath
None of us wished for our
falling apart
and coming together
All of us felt inadequate to the task
of speaking his epitaph
to the broken circle
around a heart
crafted with shells on the dark sand
by his family.
~Hope Shepherd
August 27, 2012
2 comments:
Hope
I loved the poem. You've captured in beautiful ringing and tolling words, the heartfelt moment that our coming together moment was. Truly one of the most meaningful of gatherings one can join in singing our sad lament in this often lonely world.
michelle
Hope, I'm sorry it took me so long to read this memorial poem. Memorial moments captured in posey don't normally hold up over time. You seem to have proved the opposite. Lovely and moving beyond what even Derek would have thought his due. Love it
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