Friday, March 13, 2015

Sunlight on Ripened Grain

Indie's gone. We were hoping for weeks, maybe even months. Instead, we had hours. He's left a yawning hole in our lives and in our hearts.


Do not stand on my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in the circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
by Mary Elizabeth Frye








26 comments:

Kerry Kresse said...

Rest in peace, little Indie.

mk said...

omg, SO quickly. My heart goes out to you

Susan J. said...

So sorry about poor little Indie. Maybe you should stop putting yourself through the continual stress involved in taking in stray cats with health problems. Would it not be better to buy a healthy cat from a breeder, to keep as a pet and then just support a cat rescue centre with financial help?

cs harris said...

Kerry, thank you.

mk, I couldn't believe how fast he went.

Susan, it wasn't planned! We knew Scout and Banjo had problems and wouldn't live long, but Indie was such a healthy ball of energy when he came. Ironically, FIP is more common in kittens from breeders than in stray litters. But believe me, no more kittens.

Barbara Butler McCoy said...

So very sorry.

paz said...

Beautiful poem. I do hope you can find comfort in it and in the memories you shared with your sweet kitty.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Candy. What a beautiful poem. You made me cry. I think this reminds us that life is fleeting and you never know what tomorrow brings, so live today to its fullest and love those you love with all your heart while they are with you. I applaud and love that you and Steve take in strays and those that are unwanted and unloved. It shows courage and strength of character and compassion. Losing a pet is never easy, and you have had three lost in such a short time. It is just heartbreaking. But, would you have it any other way? Think if he had not come into your life. All the laughter and love he brought into it. Better to have loved and lost... My thoughts are with you both today. Sabena

cs harris said...

Barbara, thanks so much.

Paz, it was written for a grieving young Jewish woman in the 1930s who could not go back to Germany and see her mother's grave. It is very comforting.

Sabena, you're right, he brought such joy and laughter and love into our lives. I grieve for all the years I thought we'd have, but I am gratefull he came to me. He was a very special cat. It just hurts so.

Amy said...

Earlier this week I watched To Kill a Mockingbird on TV-one of my favorite books and movies. There was a line in the movie where their neighbor is talking to Jem about Atticus. She said that some people are put on earth to do the hard things no one else has the strength to do. So although you've lost Banjo, Scout and Indie I think they found you because you had the strength and love to help them.

Angie said...

Oh no. I am so very sorry. Loss upon loss just makes it so hard. I'm thinking of you during this sad time. I admire and appreciate what you did for Scout, Banjo, and Indie. It takes such bravery to be vulnerable and love creatures whose lives are so much shorter than ours. My thoughts are with you as you grieve.

Suzanne said...

Oh Candy, such a beautiful poem it has made me cry. I am so sorry for your loss. Try to be good to yourselves and remind yourself that because of you and Steve Indie was spared the terrible life of a stray for all of his days. Instead you gave him love, care and the best life a cat could have.

cs harris said...

Amy, I must admit I'm not feeling very strong at the moment. I'm a puddle.

Angie, yes, the three little ones in less than a year is just too much. I keep looking at my old cats, and I'm terrified.

Suzanne, thank you. Even though it ended so tragically, I can't be sorry he came to my door. I'm glad we were able to be here for him, and I'm thankful for the joy and laughs he brought us. He was such a little character, so loving and sweet.

Lynne said...

I can't type...I'm crying, too. Perhaps it was best that he didn't linger but oh, I'm so sad for you and Steve. Pets have such a way of getting to our hearts. Take care, my friend.

JustWingingIt said...

Oh no! Gone much too soon, brave, intrepid Indie. But he knew love in his brief life and that is everything. Hugs to both you and Steve.

Veronica

Rhonda said...

Oh, so sad. My sympathy goes to you and Steve.
Rhonda

Susan J. said...

All the lovely comments other people made were very moving. It made me realise that animals can inspire what is beautiful in human nature, even if I'm not an animal person myself. In particular Amy's comment. Yes, some people are put on earth to be kind to other creatures. What a lovely blog this is!

Unknown said...

Animals so easily fit into our lives, their unconditional love has them quickly becoming a family member. It's wonderful Indie had you as a family in that short time. You 'done good'.

cs harris said...

Lynne, yes, I was hoping he'd go into remission, but when I realized he wasn't, I was glad he went quickly. It would have been an agony, knowing he was dying.

Veronica, thank you. He really was an amazing kitten.

Rhonda, thank you.

Susan, yes, people have been unbelievably warm and kindhearted.

Carol, I'm TRYING to see it that way.

Charles Gramlich said...

Pretty kitty. So sorry he is gone.

Anonymous said...

Candy. I'm so sorry to hear about indie. I have been away for days And have not checked any posts. I can only imagine your sadness. He was the sweetest kitten. And I know you and your family will truly miss him. We all have lost a beloved pet at some time. But to lose 3 in so short a time is beyond heartbreaking. I have no special words of comfort. I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your tour and that you can find comfort in your memories. Best Ali

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