Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:26 AM PST
Subject: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service
Message:
Greetings, dear hearts. I've been invited to submit a reading for Widfara's service tomorrow and have compiled four poems that were up for consideration on the board yesterday. Since Wid came to us because of Tolkien, through TORN, I feel it's appropriate that a poem of that nature be chosen.
All are either Middle-earth or TORN related. The first two were written by Tolkien as part of Lord of the Rings. The other two are original works-one by The Lidless Eye which is part of the Torn Family Album. The other is by Aydria Elenlinn as an ode to Widfara.
If you care to give feedback on which poems or pieces of them that you feel is appropriate, feel free. We must choose something today. Also, Scout, English major extraordinaire, has offered to write a brief eulogy from us to be read in addition to the poem.
The road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
-JRR Tolkien (suggested by Scout)
----------------------------------------
Day is ended, dim my eyes,
but journey long before me lies.
Farewell, friends! I hear the call.
The ship's beside the stony wall.
Foam is white and waves are grey;
beyond the sunset leads my way.
Foam is salt, the wind is free;
I hear the rising of the Sea.
Farewell, friends! The sails are set,
the wind is east, the moorings fret.
Shadows long before me lie,
beneath the ever-bending sky,
but islands lie behind the Sun
that I shall raise ere all is done;
lands there are to west of West,
where night is quiet and sleep is rest.
Guided by the Lonely Star,
beyond the utmost harbour-bar,
I'll find the havens fair and free,
and beaches of the Starlit Sea.
Ship, my ship! I seek the West,
and fields and mountains ever blest.
Farewell to Middle-earth at last.
I see the Star above your mast!
J.R.R. Tolkien, Bilbo's Last Song at the Grey Havens
(suggested by Watson)
----------------------------------------
There is a place to escape to.
A sanctuary, a refuge
Where you can cry all your tears
And laugh until the cares vanish from your heart.
A place for you to find your name.
A place every creature understands one another.
There is a place you can look into your heart.
A place the sun shines upon your back.
A place where the waters of the ocean are warm with the sun's light
The gulls wheel and cry, hovering between sea and sky
And the sea meets the shore
The shore meets the forest
Where eagles spiral ever higher above the trees
Where what we call civilization, has not yet touched the forest or the sea.
Will you come with me to this sanctuary of the spirit?
Where gentle breezes whisper through your hair
The trees, the sea, every creature knows their true name
And you have all your heart could truly desire.
Will you go with me?
-The Lidless Eye
----------------------------------------
Rider of Rohan
I dreamed I walked in Rohan,
A country wide and clean -
Rolling hills and grassy fields,
And all was emerald green.
And as I watched, a lady came
All clad in robes of white,
Smiling as she swiftly rode
Through fields of clover bright.
She stopped then and regarded me,
With bright and clever eyes
That shone with strength and wisdom
No evil could disguise.
"Fair lady," I then asked her,
"Where now are you bound?
What name is given thee so fair
Who rides the hills around?"
She smiled then, and looking down,
Gave answer to my plea:
"I am Widfara of Rohan -
Please, come and ride with me!"
Over the country did we ride,
Through landscapes vast and fair,
The bright sunlight was in her eyes,
The cool wind in her hair.
We rode for countless seasons,
And talked as best of friends.
It always seemed that springtime
Would never find an end.
But one day when the leaves turned gold,
With hint of coming fall,
She turned her head and listened
As though she heard a call.
"Where art thou going, Widfara,
On this new fashioned day?
I know something has changed,
But what, I cannot say."
"I must ride west and seek new fields
Far from fair Rohan's walls,
But you can always hear my voice,
In the sweet robin's call."
And turning then into the sun,
She rode into the west,
Seeking for worlds beyond our own,
And for eternal rest."
Requiescat in pace, Widfara.. we'll miss you.
-Aydria Elenlinn
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:32 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Forgot to add!
Message:
If you prefer to contact me privately about the poems, the reading or anything else, email [].
Nick: Celandine Brandybuck
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:37 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Mmm...
Message:
I think that Bilbo's song at the Grey Havens would be my choice. The repetition of "farewell, friends!" seems appropriate, as does choosing something by JRRT, since it was his writing that brought us all here together. (Although Aydria's poem is also lovely!)
Nick: Ioreth
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:38 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: My vote (if you mean vote) goes for Bilbo's last song ...
Message:
I really love it, especially sung to the tune in the BBC radio dramatization ...
Nick: Tauriel
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:40 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: I'd say Bilbo's Last Song
Message:
They are all beautiful, but this is the one that strikes me as most appropriate.
Nick: Scout B
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:40 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Song
Message:
Watson was right, Mrs. B. It's perfect. Plus, it fits the brief words that I've jotted to say beforehand (couldn't help but speak of the Gray Havens..).
I'll e-mail you, but I think folks are right.
p.s. English major extraordinaire!??? You're in trouble now... ;)
Nick: Elwen
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:40 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: I like Bilbo's song...
Message:
For it is my belief that like Bilbo, Wid has gone somewhere beautiful where she can be healed of the world's hurts.
Nick: greenleafphf
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:41 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
I think Bilbo's Last Song at the Gray Havens is so appropriate...
Nick: Annael
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:43 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
Add me to the Bilbo's Last Song group
Nick: sherlock
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:43 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: They are all lovely but I like
Message:
Bilbo's last song best. Thanks for doing this and will be waiting for a report about the services.
Nick: Eowyn_Shieldmaiden
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:49 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: I think that Blibo's Last Song
Message:
would be most appropriate of those poems there. It is most uplifting. There was one yesterday that I need to find....
This one was the one that meant the most to me:
If I should die when spring around is bursting
Life athirst for water, air and sun
Breathe in deeply, feel the fresh sap rising
Plant and grow, move on, the year's begun.
If I should die when summer warms and ripens
Long the days, though my brief days are past
Feel the warmth and look toward the harvest
Fruitful live, and fruitful pass at last.
If I should die when autumn leaves are falling
Gather some in, the amber, russet, gold
Scatter them round me, all the while recalling
The new leaf's in the bud when dies the old.
If I should die when winter's fierce and frosty
Cold the land and cramped the daylight hours
Remember that the winter cleans and purges
And amidst it all, the snowdrop flowers.
Whenever I should die, it's a beginning
The wheel moves on, its journey never ends
So think of me - or not - as it seems fitting
I live on in my family and friends.
But both it and the Last Song would be appropriate. Uplifting and hopeful.
Nick: Gaelsong
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:51 AM PST
-In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: I like Rider of Rohan
Message:
but it's true meaning would be lost on most of those there... but Robin would like it.
Otherwise I like Bilbo's last song.
Nick: Sigma698
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:55 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
I love them all, but I think The Rider of Rohan is very fitting
Nick: ceremony
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:58 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Last Song
Message:
Though Aydria's is beautiful as well.
Nick: Nimfalma Took
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:59 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
I like Aydria's poem
Nick: jayjay
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:09 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
Bilbo's Last Song is perfect.
Nick: Ginger
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:13 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
Rider of Rohan
Nick: Silverlode
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:14 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Last Song
Message:
The Rider of Rohan is lovely too, if there is room for two poems.
Silverlode
Nick: jordan_the_discursive
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:15 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Very difficult choice
Message:
Choosing only one seems impossible, because the Bilbo's last song seems like such a good choice, but then AE's poem is just so lovely. There is such touching imagery in her poem, and especially with the lady turning her head as though she hears something, and then of course, "the sweet robin's call." It is just so beautiful, truly beautiful.
I'm wondering, though, about the audience for the reading. These people have known Wid in 3D, and may or may not understand her love for Tolkien and the joy she found in her participation here at TORn. The poem from Tolkien would be unquestionably appropriate, because it would be reasonably familiar to most people, and would, in a sort of dual movement, pay respects both to Wid and to JRRT at the same time. I guess, then, my choice would be Bilbo's Last Song.
But this word to AE, your poem is phenomenal, and with your permission, I'd like to print it out and put it in my shelfcopy of LOTR.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:18 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Some thoughts
Message:
I have to agree that Bilbo's Song seems to fit the occasion best, such as it is. I wish the need for such a thing had never come to us.
Aydria's poem is indeed lovely. Perhaps we could entreat Mirkwood Maiden to include it, and any others dedicated to Wid on her family album page. Just a suggestion.
Nick: Aerlinn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:19 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
I'm leaning towards Bilbo's Last Song.
Nick: Eledhwen
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:20 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Last Song
Message:
I think it's the most appropriate.
Nick: Curious
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:27 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Last Song
Message:
. . . gets my vote.
Nick: Kiskadee
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:34 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
I'd say Bilbo's Last Song
Nick: Mirkwood Maiden
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:38 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Oh gosh... what a decision... and perhaps an idea
Message:
I think Robin would have chosen Bilbo's last song. It seems to be the most appropriate over all. However, I believe that AE's extrordinary poem should also be sent. Perhaps its message will also be shared at Robin's service as an example of how dearly she was loved by her online community.
Blessed Be,
MM
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:47 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: They're all touching poems
Message:
and choosing is hard - but if I must, I'll vote for Bilbo's Last Song. AE's poem is a beautiful tribute too, though, and it would be really nice to contribute it somehow.
{{{Mrs. B}}} I suspect you need some extra hugs today. I'm thinking about you.
Nick: Uitlander
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:58 AM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: That last one...
Message:
...the one by Aydria Elenlinn. That one made me cry. So if I have to pick only one, that would be it.
The part about the robin's song...this morning as I woke up in the half-light of dawn, there was a robin singing outside my window. A rare occurance in my part of Brooklyn. It was all by itself in a dead tree singing beautifully right into my window....of course I thought about Wid...
Nick: Aydria Elenlinn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:13 PM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: here's my two cents..
Message:
I'd vote for Bilbo's Last Song. Like many have said, most people at the service will not really understand her connection to Tolkien, and that one seems the most universal.
You all flatter me about my poem, really. I am so honored that it touched some of you, and to all who were asking, you definitely have my permission to print it out, use it on the album, use it at her service, whatever. If you need me to put my real name on it, just e-mail me and let me know. All I wanted to do was remember her the best way I could, and I am unspeakably glad that I could do something that helped some of you. You guys are making me cry!
Take care everyone, especially you, Mrs. B. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nick: Nessimë
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:48 PM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: Bilbo's Last Song... but...
Message:
I would love to see Aydria's poem represented somewhere, somehow as it was beautiful, and had a personal touch.
Nick: Bell Willow
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 3:24 PM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Subject: I know this isn't really any help in picking a poem, but...
Message:
Because I did not know Widfara, I don't feel right saying which poem I think best suits. But, I just had to post here to tell you how lovely (and moving) all of the poems are; and say how amazed I am at how wonderful and kind everyone here is, this is a truly amazing online community.
Even though I didn't know Widfara, going by all of the kind things that have been said about her, I can see that she was wonderful person who was loved by everyone.
Nick: Smokering
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 3:36 PM PST
In Reply To: Proposed poems for Widfara's Memorial Service-
Message:
Bilbo's Last Song, although I've always loved the one by TLE too.
Nick: Nimfalma Took
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 10:43 AM PST
Subject: An attempt at expression
Message:
Yesterday was a strange day. Today, after having time to process what happened, I am able to put in words some of what I'm feeling about our loss and our community in general. So without further ado, "A thought on our community, in memory of Widfara".
We live in a strange time. Everyday we face the grimness of reality, including, but certainly not limited to, terrorist attacks, faceless snipers, and abuses in the church. We fear, we wonder, we ask why. Rarely are there answers. We just do our best to live day to day. We hope to learn from the past, and we hope for a better future, all the while trying not to dwell on the tragedies of the present. Sometimes we are close to the tragedy, sometimes we are removed from it. Either way we feel the pain and loss to some degree.
In times of trouble it helps to know that there are others there for us, to love and support us. Depending on our individual beliefs, we may feel encouraged by a higher power such as God, Allah, or Buddha. We feel encouraged by thoughts of Paradise, Heaven, or Nirvana.
At this time, I'd like to focus on the community aspect of dealing with tragedy. September 11, 2001, I was an RA at my college, and it helped to be with others and comfort one another in our time of fear and loss. In the wake of these sniper shootings it helps to have family and co-workers and friends to lean on and talk to.
At TORn we've also leaned on one another during times of trouble. Our messages and posts, our words to one another of comfort, wit, and wisdom turn us from the seemingly random ones and zeroes of binomial code into real people who are forging real relationships.
Yesterday tragedy struck our community quite the blow. The outpouring of grief was beautiful and astounding. The poems, pictures, and tributes were so touching and were testimonies to the power, strength, and reality of the TORn community. Widfara, wherever she may be, would be touched and proud of how we've come together.
Because of the nature of a message board the tragedy doesn't feel real-in this I speak for myself, having not had the privilege of knowing Widfara personally. But I do know it will hurt to never again be virtually slapped across the face by my short attention span. It's odd that I'll never again imagine the bewildered looks of Gandalf and Elrond at the sight of a bellybutton ring, courtesy of Wid's footer. Her wit and wisdom have passed from this place, and we as a community are all the more lacking for it.
Yesterday's outpouring spoke volumes to the presence of Widfara in this community and in life. I saw the TORn family album for the first time last night, and her influence in its loveliness can be seen. She will be well-remembered as a witty and wonderful person who did more than just test our attention spans. She made an indelible contribution to our community, and to say she'll be greatly missed would be an understatement.
Rest in peace, Widfara of Rohan; words alone will never express what you have meant to us.
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:53 AM PST
In Reply To: An attempt at expression
Subject: Beautiful, touching thoughts, Nimfalma.
Message:
Thanks for sharing. It's sad that it takes something like this to bring us so close, but we should take what we can that's positive, hold it close, and move on. Our best tribute to Wíd will be to continue the laughter and giggles, the snerts and the snickers, that she loved so much, and to reach out and hug someone when they need it.
Nick: jordan_the_discursive
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:44 PM PST
In Reply To: An attempt at expression
Message:
Thank you, NT. Beautiful,heartfelt, and comforting. ((((NT))))
Nick: Aerlinn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:33 AM PST
Subject: Flowers - OMG!!!
Message:
THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!!
The response has been so overwhelming, I'm stunned. We did it - we broke $300! Just so I don't get myself fired, I'll order the flowers in a couple of hours, when I get home. If I receive any more donations, I will just forward them on to TORn; but actually, from here on out, I might advise a direct donation to TORn (or PETA, or Monastery of St. Clare at 1310 Dellwood Avenue in Memphis, which are two charities Robin/ Wid favored); Paypal hits any deposit for somewhere between 3-5%, so more money will actually go directly to the cause if you send direct. E-mail me in that case if you like and I can add your name to the list of donors, although the flowers are truly going on behalf of all of us.
Have I mentioned lately how absolutely amazing this place is? And how much I love all of you? You have to know that Wídfara is aware of this.
Robin Adona Marvel, our Wídfara, we love you, we miss you, and we won't forget you.
Nick: jordan_the_discursive
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:37 AM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Great job, Aerlinn! I only wish
Message:
we hadn't had to be brought together in such a heartbreaking way.
Will you post a link to the flowers and the final version of the card? Thanks again dear for your willingness to make this happen.
Nick: Mirkwood Maiden
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:44 AM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: What a testament to the community of TORn
Message:
and thank you Aerlinn, for all your hard work in making this gesture possible. I wish I were in a $$ position to help, but I plan to donate to PETA as soon as I am able.
YOu have my heartfelt grattitude for everything you've done.
Blessed Be,
MM
Nick: Tauriel
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:50 AM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: You're doing a great job, Aerlinn
Message:
I only wish I had owned or known anyone who own a credit card so that I could have given a bit to the flowers. But I'll definitely start searching for someone I know who actually do have one, just without me knowing it at the moment, so that I can give something directly to TORn or one of the charities. There *has* to be someone.
Nick: Eledhwen
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 11:56 AM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Wow
Message:
Amazing. It's truly a privilege to be a part of TORN.
Nick: Mrs. Boromir
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:02 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Double wow!
Message:
I'm overwhelmed with affection and pride in all of you Tornadoes! Thank you again, Aerlinn!
Nick: Celandine Brandybuck
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:06 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Thank *you* Aerlinn
Message:
for all your work in setting this up. I'm so glad I could help a little bit... *sniffles*
Nick: Altaira
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:19 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Well done!
Message:
You've done a great job organizing this Aerlilnn. Thank you so much.
Since it seems we have plenty of funds for flowers (awesome TORNadoes!) I'm going to go ahead and send something directly to Widfara's favorite charities in her name, especially since that's what the family requested.
Since this is the first time I've been on line in the last few days, and I missed 'the list,' if you could add my name as someone who truly enjoyed the time I knew Widfara, and will miss her deeply, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks agian.
-- Altaira
Nick: MoonbeamHobbit
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:56 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Havent' had a chance yet....
Message:
but am going to make a donation to TORn on Wid's behalf. Didn't know her very well, but her humor and enthusiasm lit up the boards here.
Thanks for your efforts in getting the donation together. What a fitting tribute to Wid.
Moonbeam/Becky
Nick: Weige
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 1:22 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Subject: Everyone here is incredibly generous!
Message:
Thanks you Aerlinn for taking on this task. Great job.
I've yet to do it but would like to make a donation today to the TORn site - how do you go about doing that? I've look on the main page but haven't found the right link - must be looking in the wrong place.
Thanks again for all that you're doing!!
God bless
Nick: River-Woman
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 3:04 PM PST
In Reply To: Flowers - OMG!!!
Message:
Well said, Aerlinn. Well said.
Nick: fak
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:19 PM PST
Subject: Poem - author unknown
Message:
Do not stand at 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 rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in 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.
Nick: DaughterofRohan
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:22 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Message:
Wow. That's beautiful.
Nick: Nimfalma Took
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:24 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Message:
Beautiful
Nick: Aydria Elenlinn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:27 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Subject: I've seen that before somewhere..
Message:
*tries to place it*
Nick: Altaira
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:29 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Subject: I once set that to music
Message:
Years ago when my father died, someone gave my family a little booklet of poems and that one was in it. I liked it so much, I set it to music. It really says it all: Life goes on and the people we love live on as part of the earth and in our memories.
Thanks for posting it!
Nick: Watson
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 12:46 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Subject: I know it well
Message:
I first heard it shortly before the death of my mother. Although it is generally considered anonymous, I found a site on the internet that attributes the words to one Mary Frye, written in 1932. Touching words then, and now.
Nick: Roheryn
Date/Time: Wed, 10/23/2002 at 6:09 PM PST
In Reply To: Poem - author unknown
Subject: Simply beautiful.
Message:
I first read that poem years ago at the funeral of a dear friend who'd been like a grandfather to me, and it moves me to tears every time I read it. I prefer to think of those who have departed to their own Grey Havens this way: they're still a part of us, and so are never really gone. Very comforting. Thanks for sharing.