My Mother's Flight to Heaven

My mother passed away on January 4, 2012. As family gathered for her funeral, stories were shared of her final days, hours, minutes. It was clear to me that she knew her time was coming to leave this world, and that she saw her angels gathering for the flight to heaven. 

I wrote this poem several years ago, but it is a comfort for me to read it again with the eyes of one newly touched by grief.

[update on April 27, 2015 - thinking of a very special friend this evening as I reflect on the days of his life on earth and his new life in realms above. Rest in peace Mike.]
 

Vigil of Angels

The Annunciation Angel by TITIAN

Always ready to do His bidding

The mighty, patient one stands alongside,

With watchful, tender, gleaming eye

Knowing how to trust and judging

Not by labored breath or pain etched face

But keenly watching the soul prepare for the journey;

Growing steadily more beautiful in grace,

Fingers of earth loosening their grasp

And the hands of the trusting spirit lifting toward

God and His Remarkable Kingdom.

Wings at the ready,

Caring hands laying unseen

Upon the shoulder

Ready to gather up and fly away

When the Moment arrives

Even as other Escorts from Beyond

Gather to sing their Flight Songs

In music of mysterious strength,

Spirit-fueled, strangely-gentle,

Other-worldly calm.

At the bedside

Earth-born loved ones mix pondering thoughts—

How Death greets all with coldness

And seeming randomness

Even as baptized brows sense

The presence of winged Goodness from Beyond

And grow stronger in their earthly shells of grace

While tears mingle grief and faith

Unshed or flowing freely over

One so loved.

O Christ, Bearer of our all.

At the hour of our departing the need is great.

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

For He shall give His angels 
charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

                                                  Ps. 91:11

Here is the stirring anthem by John Taverner, Song for Athene 

The text comes from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the Orthodox funeral liturgy:

Alleluia. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Alleluia. Remember me, o Lord, when you come into your kingdom.

Alleluia. Give rest, o Lord, to your handmaid who has fallen asleep.

Alleluia. The Choir of Saints have found the well-spring of life and door of paradise.

Alleluia. Life, a shadow and a dream.

Alleluia. Weeping at the grave creates the song : Alleluia.

Alleluia. Come, enjoy the rewards and crowns I have prepared for you. Alleluia.