Grief is the price we pay for love

Yesterday afternoon Queen Elizabeth II died. Whilst we all knew it would happen the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and beyond and have gone into shock. Grief does that to you. Even when you know it’s going to happen it is still a shock when it does. It was the Queen herself who said, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ If we didn’t love it wouldn’t hurt. I’m sure there are mixed emotions today from lots of people. Even if you aren’t a royalist the Queen has been so much a part of our country you cannot help but be saddened. Today is the first day of ten days of official morning. 

Yesterday Before the news was announced I completed a new jigsaw puzzle. Unfortunately it didn’t fit in my jigsaw board so I had to improvise a little. The puzzle was if the London skyline including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. We use our eyes to see, they cast vision. Parliament is where the countries big decisions and laws are made. Our new Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss has on Monday taken up her new post. Big Ben is part of the iconic landscape and calls the time. 

Big Ben chimes the changes of our nation. 

From it the watchmen see and pray. 

Parliament takes up its mantle 

and the country grieves the passing of the Queen. 

The new season is upon us 

we wait with urgency 

as the roaring of the lion 

seeks to devour its prey.

Changes are afoot 

the lamb is at the door 

the two will lie together 

will you welcome them once more? 

Loss

Sometimes words aren't enough to say what we mean. They paint pictures but still leave much unsaid. Poetry whispers and shouts emotions more eloquently than other forms of words on a page. I guess that's why I enjoy reading the psalms. This year has been one where perhaps lament has been more appropriate than joy. It started with me taking the funeral of an uncle. My father died. A good friend died. An aunt has also now sadly passed away. Why? I guess it was just their time.

Life is short. It's meant to be lived and enjoyed. Why do we spend so much time arguing and falling out with one another?

We are left with the memories of loved ones ingrained in our hearts. They remain a reminder of joy shared and lives entwined.

In memory of Pauline....

With painted nails
          hair in style
                  and raspberry lips
                          from which you
                                      smiled.
Dainty tiny feet
             danced a tale
                            of long ago
                                 of joy and
                                      soul.
Dark brown eyes
          twinkled to the
                           dawn of yesterday
                                     no more alight
                                           this 'morn.

Revdjo 23/6/2015