The work I chose to contribute to our Scalar site is “Turn Again To Life” by Mary Lee Hall which is a poem about making meaning out of death in a way that allows the person that has lost somebody to not be in a constant state of grief, but to embrace the joys of life again. I remember reading this poem a few months after I had lost a family friend and I was immediately flooded with the memory of this person. They brought light into the lives of so many people and when they passed away, this light was extinguished for many. However, this poem serves as a reminder that while missing a loved one can be painful, there is still opportunity to enjoy life as they would have wanted and make meaning out of their death by continuing their legacy, in whatever way that may be.
Turn Again To Life by Mary Lee Hall
If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone, who keep
long vigils by the silent dust, and weep.
For my sake – turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
something to comfort weaker hearts than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I, perchance may therein comfort you.
