Daniel James Reiter

WE REMEMBER THEM (A Jewish Prayer)

At the rising of the sun and at its going down We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When I am gone, release me let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness

I thank you for the love you have shown
But now it’s time I traveled alone
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It’s only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart
I won’t be far away.  For life goes on

So if you need me call and I will come
Though you can’t see or touch me I’ll be there
And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear
And then when you must come this way alone
I’ll greet you with a smile and welcome you home ~ (Author unknown)

Brother, I am fire
Surging under the ocean floor.
I shall never meet you, brother
Not for years, anyhow;
Maybe thousands of years, brother.
Then I will warm you,
Hold you close, wrap you in circles,
Use you and change you
Maybe thousands of years, brother.

Carl Sandburg