In Memoriam

12 years ago today, October 17, 2004, my father lost his battle with this disease at the age of 78. The last years of his life were taken up with travel (Australia, New Zealand, Asia Minor, Britain), and the discovery that he was a poet. I'd like to share one of my favorites of his. The image of a shuttle was powerful for him, as the son and grandson of a family that came to the US in the late 1800's to work in a New England mill town.

The Shuttle

Back and forth the shuttle goes

Pattern still not defined. But defined by love

Month follows month. Family grows

New faces in the pattern. Some faces become dim, but still there

Work, pleasure, the shuttle weaves

Pattern no longer random. The colors change

What was brilliant now becomes soft, rosy and gray

Family grows. Everyone welcomed.

Accepted as they are, not as they might be

Months pass, years pass, the shuttle goes on

A few knots here and there, but they are pattern too

Not ready to hang on the wall. That is to come

New wool, new patterns

Still the shuttle goes on.


RES May 2000

Lovely and very comforting images. He was a good man and still lives on in his family's memories.
Renee

Halbert, feel good, that the fact that you thought to post that today, is evidence that your dad left a great legacy, in you, who 12 years later, thought enough to share his verse.

Hi Halbert,

By sharing the poem, you have continued weaving the pattern begun by your father ...

You have honored him by sharing the poem, and carrying on his legacy.

Keep weaving, Halbert,

Cyclone

Thanks guys, I note that I erred in my math. Oct 17 2004 was 11 yrs ago, not 12.

On his gravestone is this quote (yes, it IS in Old English) from Chaucer:

"The Lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne"

Halbert,
I'm sure he's proud of how you have helped others on this site, including me.
Best wishes,
Jim

Stunning thoughts put into words that generates action...from you.... He is on to something there...isn't he...

Very nice Halbert. Reminded me how much I miss my Father!!!

Thank you.