Go Gently into that Good Night

If you’ve noticed my absence for the past few days, it’s because my dear sweet mother transitioned from this life into the vast and unknowable realm of the spirit. I’ve been her caregiver for the last five years, and it was with loving care that I stroked her face, whispered in her ear, and saw on her way.

Anne Peach 1934-2022

This beautiful poem by Sue Vincent and her accompanying photos speak eloquently of the arc of life as expressed through flowers. She wrote it a couple of years before she too passed with grace from this world. I’d like to share it with you now.

Flowers

by Sue Vincent

There were always flowers.

Orchids pinned upon a mother’s breast,

All lace and diamonds.

Long black gloves

And painted lips,

As she left, laughing.

A child who watched

As the door closed.

There were flowers…

Yellow tulips,

Cellophane and ribbon

A girl who blushed

As the curtain fell

Upon the stage;

She cradled them,

A first bouquet.

There were flowers

Roses and lilies

White, in hands and hair,

Their fragrance mingled

With frankincense,

A ghost of awe and wonder

Finding a home

In memory.

There were flowers…

Rainbow hued,

Everywhere.

Greeting a life newborn,

With love and welcome,

Lighting stark severity

As a babe cried.

There were flowers…

Daisy chains

Around his brow,

Crowning him with sunlight,

In laughter,

In simplicity,

In love.

There were flowers,

Three roses,

Red as life,

Placed in a cold hand,

One for each heart

Saying farewell.

Too long,

Too soon.

There are flowers,

Heather and bluebells

Painting horizons

Still unexplored.

Pathways of petals

Laugh at our feet,

Inviting.

In joy or sorrow,

When the tears fall,

There are always flowers.

From:

Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo

318 thoughts on “Go Gently into that Good Night

  1. Annika Perry says:

    Diane, my thoughts have been with you since reading about the passing of your mother. Your gentle words of your last moments together touch me to the core – it must be one of the most profound experiences and one of absolute love for each other.

    Sue’s beautiful poem seems to fly on the wings of angels, so light and ethereal – a perfect tribute.

    Sending much love & hugs, take extra special care of yourself. xx ❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Annika. It wasn’t a surprise and yet it was incredibly hard and it still doesn’t seem quite real. I loved Sue’s poem and knew that I wanted to share it on the day I honored my mom. So many beautiful souls leaving us, as is the way of life. Thanks for the love and hugs. They’re always welcome. ❤ ❤ ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  2. […] Diana Peach shared a most beautiful poem by the late Sue Vincent as a tribute to her mother who sadly passed from our Earthly world in late November 2022. You can read it here: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2022/11/13/go-gently-into-that-good-night-2/ […]

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I am so sorry, Diana. I’ve been thinking of you. Sending love and light your way. Hugs. 💗

    I have always loved that poem of Sue’s. A perfect share here. 💐

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m so sorry Diana, I’m sending you my love and heartfelt condolences. It is so difficult to say goodbye to our parents. What a beautiful poem and tribute to your mama. She was so lucky to have you near and available to help her labor from this life to the next. Wrapping you in love and hugs, C

    Liked by 1 person

  5. So Sorry Diana. I lost my Mom a couple years ago so I know how tough it is. The poem is absolutely beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Bonnie for your kind comment. It’s been two weeks now and we’re still figuring out the new normal, particularly since my dad needs lots of extra support now. The poem is one of my favorites and I’m happy to share it. Hugs, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Your mother was so beautiful Diana! I’m so sorry to be late here. What a beautiful relationship you shared and I’m so sorry about your loss. I’m happy you were there to be with her and help her transition/. That is the most beautiful gift of all. I LOVE that you added Sue’s gorgeous poem Flowers too. I still visit her blog. She was truly gifted.
    Take good care as you grieve and celebrate your mother’s beautiful life with your family and friends. Sending love and prayers for a beautiful crossing over.
    Blessings 💗🙏🏼💗

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for the lovely comment, Cindy. It’s been a difficult autumn, but we’re doing okay and adjusting. I’m glad I was there with my mom for the duration of her decline and at the end. It was hard, but I have no regrets. And I’m glad you enjoyed Sue’s poems. It’s one of my favorites and seemed just right. Hugs, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

      • You’re so welcome Diana. It takes time to heal and it was so great of you to be there for your mom and soon to bring solace to your dad. It’s so hard to have to deal with all of this and the void and then all of the stuff to do. Take one moment at a time. I was fortunate to meet Sue while she was dying and blessed for our interactions which were rich and beautiful exchanges.. Take good care and thanks for the hugs.. hugging you back. 💞

        Liked by 2 people

  7. foodinbooks says:

    I am so very sorry about the loss of your dear mother, Diana. Losing our parents is the most natural thing in the world and the hardest. Sending peaceful thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Jeanne says:

    Condolences. It’s hard to lose a mother, no matter your age and how gently she slips away.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. […] Go Gently into that Good Night […]

    Liked by 2 people

  10. What a lovely way to express yourself. May she rest in peace and you take care

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Diana, this post is, as expected, a most beautiful tribute to your mom. As you navigate this new world and move through the grief stage, know that you are surrounded by many who care and adore you. I’m sending you oodles of love and am holding you in my heart. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    • How lovely to see you here, Tanya. It’s been a week now and jer loss still feels surreal even as things settle into a new normal. I’m honored that you were touched by the post and appreciate the oodles of love. ❤ ❤ They've been received. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Sending lots of love and heartfelt hugs your way, dear Diana… 💞 Loss of Mother is a great loss indeed. May your heart be filled with the beauty and love that only a mother shares so well. xoxoxo

    Liked by 2 people

  13. markbierman says:

    My deepest condolences, Diana, for the loss of your dear Mother. May you find comfort and peace in this time of grief. God Bless.

    Liked by 2 people

  14. I am so sorry for your loss, Diana. I remember this poem of Sue’s. I still think of her often. It is very beautiful and fitting.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Bridgette says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. What a beautiful poem to share. Sending you and your family much love.

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Hi Diane. I read this post while I was out of town with no way to respond but on FB. My heart ached for you, but then, it also felt at rest for you, and for your mom. I think we’ve had similar journeys with our moms, and in the end, the love is spread in such miraculous ways as their energy moves on. Love to you. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  17. So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. The poem is beautiful, too!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Resa says:

    My deepest condolences, Diana! 💙

    I remember Sue’s poem. It is perfect for this moment.
    Be well!
    🌹🌷🌺💐🌼🌸🌻

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Jane Sturgeon says:

    ❤ Diana ❤ wrapping you in love over the loss of your mum. Sue’s poem is beautiful, as she was. A touching photo of your mum. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  20. She looks like a kind and gentle soul. I’m so sorry, Diana, losing a parent is heartbreaking. I pray your memories will ease the pain {{hugs}}

    Liked by 2 people

  21. So sorry for your loss!

    Liked by 2 people

  22. My heartfelt condolences, Diana… the picture of your mom is such a treasure to share with us. Her eyes and smile are of grace and tenderness. May you find peace knowing the journey you’ve shared together on this earthly plane was one of pure love… may the blessing of eternal love embrace you now. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. xo

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Peggy Pilkey says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I felt privileged to witness my own mother’s transition to the world of the spirit, while sadly, my siblings couldn’t be here. I held her hand and quietly sang those songs I felt would be most familiar to her, even though she was unresponsive by that time. Thank you for sharing the beautiful and heartfelt poem by Sue Vincent.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for the lovely comment, Peggy. I love that you sang to your mom. What a tender and caring thing to do. My mom was also unresponsive, but I think they know that we’re there. I’m glad that you could be with her mom at the end. Hugs, my friend.

      Like

  24. amreade says:

    My condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother, Diana. Love never dies, though we find it in different places after someone we love has passed on. We find it in our hearts, in our memories, and in the ways that person has become part of ourselves. God bless you and your family.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. […] Go Gently into that Good Night […]

    Liked by 1 person

  26. V.M.Sang says:

    So sorry for your loss. And Sue’s poem is so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Sue was such a huge presence. I love the photo of your mother, too.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May your memory of her guide you.

    Liked by 1 person

  28. I am so sorry for this great loss of yours- The greatest and terrifying loss for a child, no matter what the age is!

    May her living soul rest in peace and abundance.

    Lovely poem and indeed a beautiful tribute.
    Wishing you good health and a spirited life ahead.
    Hugs. Take care.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. “…There were flowers,
    …There are flowers.
    …There are always flowers.”✊🏿

    It is well, Diana, it is. Condolences!🙏🏿

    Liked by 1 person

  30. zuriking says:

    Rip to ur mum..may god grant u the strenght to push through this testing times

    Liked by 1 person

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