Gone From My Sight
by Henry Van Dyke
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
And that is dying...
Miss Char,
ReplyDeleteDear friend, my heart aches for you in the loss of your husband.
My prayers are for God's comfort and peace in this difficult time in your life and through the uncertain days ahead.
Fondly,
Pat
Oh Char I am so sorry for you and your family with the loss of your dear husband and father. Please accept my condolences and I pray all the loving memories will comfort you in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy, Liz
ReplyDeleteDear MIss Char...My heart aches for you. I did love the poem. I am sure the Lord said Here comes Bruce. Hugs to you...be strong , your blog family cares. xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for you and the family.
ReplyDeleteOh Char, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't image what you are going through. I know there's nothing anyone can say to ease your pain and loss just know I have you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family
ReplyDeleteChar, I've been away from the blogging world for some time now, but I came across this post today. I'm very sorry to read your sad news about your husband. Hold close his memory in this difficult time and rely on your family and friends for comfort.
ReplyDelete~ Sue