ALL SOULS' DAY
FOR LOST FRIENDS
As twilight makes a rainbow robe
From the concealed colours of day
In order for time to stay alive
Within the dark weight of night,
May we lose no one we love
From the shelter of our hearts.
When we love another heart
And allow it to love us;
We journey deep below time
Into that eternal weave
Where nothing unravels.
May we have the grace to see
Despite the hurt of rupture,
The searing of anger
And the empty disappointment,
That whoever we have loved,
Such love can never quench.
Though a door may have
Closed between us,
May we be able to view
Our lost friends with eyes
Wise with calming grace;
Forgive them the damage
We were left to inherit,
Free ourselves from the chains
Of forlorn resentment;
Bring warmth again to
Where the heart has frozen
In order that beyond the walls
Of our cherished hurt
And chosen distance
We may be able to
Celebrate the gifts they brought,
Learn and grow from the pain
And prosper into difference
Wishing them the peace
Where spirit can summon
Beauty from wounded space.
© John O’Donohue,
Pages 190-191, in
Benedictus,
A Book of Blessings
Bantam Press, London
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