Yesterday, I lead a beautiful funeral service for Derrick - there was so much love in the room for this person, it really felt a heartfelt and special farewell - there were so many family and friends there to say goodbye. The reason for this post is that Derrick loved poetry and so we included some of his favourites in the ceremony. It is the first time I've been asked to read "The Tyger" by William Blake. It is a lovely poem to read aloud, so I share this with you, in tribute to Derrick.
Tyger!
Tyger! Burning bright
In
the forests of the night
What
immortal hand or eye
Could
frame thy fearful symmetry?
In
what distant deeps or skies
Burnt
the fire of thine eyes?
On
what wings dare he aspire?
What
the hand dare seize the fire?
And
what shoulder, and what art,
Could
twist the sinews of thy heart?
And
when thy heart began to beat,
What
dread hand? And what dread feet?
What
the hammer? What the chain?
In
what furnace was thy brain?
What
the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare
its deadly terrors clasp?
When
the stars threw down their spears,
And
watered heaven with their tears,
Did
he smile his work to see?
Did
he who made the lamb make thee?
Tiger!
Tiger! Burning bright
In
the forests of the night,
What
immortal hand or eye
Dare
frame thy fearful symmetry?
You're back! This comment is not in relation to the above post, but I heard a beautiful piece of music today, which you may be able to use sometime. It is from the CD Still Waters, by Ric Sanders - the track Remembrance Day is especially suitable for anyone with military links. All the tracks are very peaceful and calming, perhaps perfect for the beginning of a ceremony?
ReplyDeleteNot quite back! I am determined to try harder to keep the blog active but finding time to write is tricky at the moment. All the funeral directors (FD's) I work with are rushed off their feet at the moment. Since Christmas it has been so incredibly busy. Most of the FD's I work with have a rather glazed expression in their eyes at the moment - many are on call 24/7 and then work a full day. Unsung heroes really. Maybe I should have written this as a proper post? Anyway, hope all is good and apologies for being so rubbish at keeping in touch at the moment! Loved the music selection. I need to have a proper listen because quickly clicking on the tracks, they all sounded good - I was wondering if the whole disc was worth getting, rather than just 'Remembrance Day'.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely definitely, without a doubt. There are many beautiful tracks and some which are just plain enjoyable. It accompanies me to and from work each day at the moment. Don't worry about not keeping in touch. I know you are there; you know I am here and that's fine. I do hope things calm down very soon for you though.
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