Michelle (Basic) Hendry - Fine Artist & Author

Artist and Author - Landscapes and Ruins

Home » Blog » Passing…

Passing…

Uncategorized / by

In spite of a fight worthy of the greatest warrior, my grandfather passed away very early this morning….

At a loss for my own words, the poem “Nature” by Longfellow speaks of the quiet departure to rest that I wished for him.

 NATURE

As a fond mother, when the day is o’er,
Leads by the hand her little child to bed,
Half willing, half reluctant to be led,
And leave his broken playthings on the floor,
Still gazing at them through the open door,
Nor wholly reassured and comforted
By promises of others in their stead,
Which, though more splendid, may not please him more;

So nature deals with us, and takes away
Our playthings one by one, and by the hand
Leads us to rest so gently, that we go
Scarce knowing if we wish to go or stay,
Being too full of sleep to understand
How far the unknown transcends the what we know.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Quiet
Quiet © Michelle Basic Hendry

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Kim

    my sincere condolences to you and your family Michelle…
    I attended my Uncle’s funeral yesterday so it is a sad time here too ….
    your poem and beautiful image is a fitting tribute..

  5. Donna

    Dear Michelle:

    As a First Lieutenant Gunnery Officer of North Atlantic Convoy Duty in the Second World War, I am sure that Grampa would be very honoured to have his struggle compared to that of a warrior.

    He was very brave and he fought to the end.

    I am sure that he felt your love for him and your desire for him to at last have peace and a safe haven, in your choice of poem.

    Good Night, Dear and Thank You,

    MOM