This Too Shall Pass

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On Friday my sister passed away after a relatively short illness. It was a very powerful reminder of how fragile life can be…

I wrote this poem several years ago, seated beneath a giant bell that faces a local graveyard.

For Whom The Bell Tolls

Seagulls scream overhead,

Above the mighty bell,

While Inis Caorach lies silent,

Between two stone walls,

In Loving Memories fill my gaze,

Of a dear wife and mother, husbands, daughters, sons…

Short sacred memories of infants and newborn,

Sarah, Peter, Rose and John,

Con, Connie, Cornelius,

Lie beneath Celtic Crosses or marble standing stones,

Inishal, Crohy Boyle, Bunawack,

Derrydruel, Milltown and Craghey,

No townland remains untouched,

One inscription says it all,

“For whom the bell tolls, the bell of the Angelus, remind me of ye.”

Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

 

 

 

 

Categories: Grief, Death and Dying

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140 Comments »

  8. Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
    Life is precious and I had a reminder of that with my aunt who passed away on new years eve. x

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  31. Dearest Daisies,
    I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. This must be a difficult time for you and your family.
    The poem is truly beautiful.
    May peace be yours, and may you find comfort in the memories you have of your sister.
    Praying for you Daisies.
    Sending much love ~ Cobs. x 🌷

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  33. Beautiful. I like to spend time in churchyards too, it is a lovely place for peaceful reflection. I had a tree planted in our local cemetery for my dad and brother, both of whom died with no warning. I go there and talk to them, placing my hands on the tree, drawing strength from its now sturdy trunk. I am so sorry about your sister. Today is my dad’s birthday. I shall celebrate by watching one of his favourite John Wayne films, the one set in Ireland, The Quiet Man. With love, Chris 💜

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  39. Your sister has now joined the Angels of Heaven. She’s smiling down upon you wishing you not shed tears of sadness but those of happiness and joy and to think of all the fond times you spent together and will again someday! You, your sister and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Brigid! xo

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  49. Dear Brigid– add me to the long list here of people who are sad and sorry with you for the loss of your sister. I knew she was not well, but am so sorry to hear she’s passed. God bless you in these difficult days– I pray you feel his presence and help and know his peace and hope of the life ahead for you sister. Love you dear friend. Go keep you. hugs from here.

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  50. Oh Brigid, I am sending you ever so much love and Light. And blessings for the Soul of your sister every step of her path home to love. Your poem is truly magnificent. The end completely touched me.

    I remember when my mom died, one of the only things that gave me solace was walking in the woods and screaming to God. It was in the middle of winter and snow was everywhere. There was something purifying about it.

    I love you Brigid. Big hugs from me to you. I am here with open arms for you,
    Debbie

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