Reviews from

Requiem

Written for my beloved son H.W.G.

32 total reviews 
Comment from Bill Schott
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

So very sorry, Cass, for this terrible loss. Your elegy denotes a calm assurance that the mourning now will surely be followed by the long hello in Heaven. Beautiful poem.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
    Dear Bill, Thank you for your review and the AWESOME SIX STARS. Thanks also for your words of condolence.
    Although Heath died more than twenty years ago, I still feel a great sadness at his absence. The outpourings of comfort and consolation from fellow Fanstorians has been balm to my soul, indicating a lot of unexpressed grief still sitting there unable to leave. I do feel a sense of release just lately, as if some bottled up emotions have been let out. I thought I'd dealt with it long ago. My mistake.
    You are right about "the long Hello in Heaven" . Ever sinc my husband died in Feb of 2019 I keep getting "messages" from either one of them about something they've done together. I know this sounds fanciful, but
    it's TRUE. To try and prove it would be pointless, but it is TRUE. I wish I could explain but it won't happen. cheers Cass

Comment from R.B.Bunn
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a beautiful memorial to your son. The piece has consistent flow and rhymes which are unforced. There's so much warmth in this piece. Thank you for sharing this and being vulnerable.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
    Dear Friend, Thank you for your review and the five stars
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A heartbreaking poem, because of the wealth of love contained in the simple words of farewell. May the spirit of your beloved son touch your face gently as a warm breeze , may you hear his chuckle in the gurgle of a stream and may you hear his voice calling in a bird's morning song.

Thank you for opening your heart to readers. Stay safe and blessed, Julia

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
    Dear Julia, Thank you for your review and the five stars. Thank you also for the blessing you poured out on my son. So beautiful, so unfeigned and so appropriate. His voice did have a chuckle in it and yes, he did imitate birds, especially galahs. Galahs are pink and grey parrots that live in Australia's outback. They usually get around in flocks and live in hollowed out wood nests. If you get a young one it's easy to tame and teach it to talk. Heath could imitate the galah we had so well the poor little thing became confused thinking there was another bird nearby. He stopped when he realized what he was doing. It has been more than twenty years since his passing, but only recently have I felt able to share these words. In so doing I've learned I had a lot of unexpressed grief still sitting bubbling away. Now, most of that emotion has been dispelled, thanks to the generosity and kindness of my fellow Fanstorians. Yourself included. cheers Cass


Comment from Lilly Flowers
Excellent
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Your notes just broke my heart. As a mother, I can't imagine outliving my sons. This poem is simply beautiful - it was so calming to read which I think reflects the peace you have made with your loss. Best wishes, Lilly

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
    Dear Lilly, Thank you for your review and the five stars.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Excellent
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I am so sorry for your loss and your words are so very touching and melancholy, but also refreshing and loving, you brought a tear to my eye here, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 23-Apr-2022
    Dear Dolly, Than you for your review and the five stars.
    At last I'm at the end of the huge list of respondents to
    "Requiem". It's the down side of being a successful writer I suppose. Never mind, they're all done now so there's just yours to go. First I need to explain that my son Heath, died more than twenty years ago at 27 years old. The piece that I posted was the words to a poem I intended to read at the committal ceremony when we gave his mortal remains back to Nature.
    I became tearful and couldn't read them after all, so back to the folder they went and there they stayed for more than 20 years. Just recently I found them again and felt a very strong conviction to post it on FanStory.
    The rest (as they say) is History. cheers Cass
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 23-Apr-2022
    I am so sorry for your loss, we cope, but we never forget, love Dolly x
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Excellent
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I hope to never imagine outliving my children. It's tough enough to lose a pet, yet having the faith that life continue on, that it is but a passing, gives hope we can be together again.

 Comment Written 20-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 21-Apr-2022
    Dear Tom, Thankyou for your review and the five stars.
    I have received some beautiful reviews and responses to this piece, that reassure me of Life Eternal. Yours is among the very special ones. cheers Cass
reply by Tom Horonzy on 21-Apr-2022
    Yes. I believe
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This a beautiful "Until Then" poem. When was this, Cass? Recently? What happened? You say your elder son put the ashes into the river. It must be a very special place for all of you. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort.

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 20-Apr-2022
    Dear Helen, No, my dear this happened more than twenty years ago. I have never felt able to share these words with anyone until now and even now I am moved by the compassion and love expressed by my fellow FanStorians. We had a committal ceremony on the river bank and then Shaun took the container holding the ashes out in the kayak, where he let them slip into the water. He filled the container with water and let it fall to the bottom. We were comforted by the fact that up until he pushed his kayak into the water there had been a fine rain. It stopped abruptly as he pushed off on the water and there was brilliant sunshine until he returned. We "knew" it was Heath and we all said "Thank you" cheers Cass
reply by lyenochka on 20-Apr-2022
    I'm so glad you shared with us. A number of other dear Fanstorians have had children precede them to Heaven. I hope you'll share some stories of Heath. 💖
Comment from K.L. Rockquemore
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Such a touching poem, I am sorry for your loss. The words written are beautifully composed and presented. I felt emotional as I read down the page. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
    Dear Friend, Thank you for your review and the five stars. l wrote these words more than twenty years ago at a time of sorrow and loss. Oddly, now, as I read them I feel a sense of comfort which is balm to the soul after solong. cheers Cass
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
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My heart goes out to you. There is nothing worse than the loss of a child. I lost a sixteen-year-old son so I can relate to your pain. The poem is a beautiful tribute to your loved one. My prayers for you.

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
    Dear Prettybluebirds, Thank you for your review and the five stars. My son was twenty seven when he died.I feel your pain and thankyou for reaching out.
    cheers Cass
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Dear Cass, may you know that as others who read your beautiful poem; regarding the loss of your son, will do as I am, holding you & your family up in prayer!
And when you look into the stars at night, and know he's waiting there, remember his love is an extra one, that shines bright for you. And because your beautiful poem tugged on my heart strings, please accept this well deserved extra star in memory of your son! God Bless!

 Comment Written 19-Apr-2022

reply by the author on 19-Apr-2022
    Dear Debi, Thank you for your review and the AWESOME SIX STARS. How very generous of you.
    It is more than twenty years since that sad day, but I still become tearful reading those words. The kind words of your and other's reviews are truly moving
    and I take comfort in them even after all this time.
    Grief's an odd thing isn't it? Just when you think you've got it "licked" it pops up again. never mind, there's another day tomorrow. cheers Cass

reply by Debi Pick Marquette on 19-Apr-2022
    There's no amount of time that can ever completely take that pain away, when you love someone that much!
    I do know all too well how you feel!
reply by Debi Pick Marquette on 19-Apr-2022
    There's no amount of time that can ever completely take that pain away, when you love someone that much!
    I do know all too well how you feel!