9:40am April 3, 2015

The Hawthorn Tree

He was as is the hawthorn tree
Ringed around by gaeity
And any sorrow in his eyes
His laughter did not recognize

Come sweet ghost and dance with me
Again around the hawthorn tree
And as we whirl
Into the hour
See the blossoms bud and flower

Thus the two of us together
Fact and phantom now and ever
Join the light of moon of sun
Of life of death of love as one

This song was printed in the back of a book that I suspect is out of print. I instantly memorized the song, and played it on my hammered dulcimer.

Anyway, this reminds me strongly of the things my mom has said about my father not really feeling gone, and as if she can interact with him still, despite knowing that he’s dead. Her exact quote was:

In sickness and in health we supported one another
Until death do us part. And here is the surprise I find…
Death does not separate that which has grown togeth
and Love is forever and reaches through time in both directions
Bending back in our memories and forward in our hearts and actions
No parting of spirits here….You will be in my heart forever….
Rest In Peace my best friend forever, Rest In Peace.

Credit for the last part goes to Anna Baggs. I don’t know who wrote the first part. I’ve tried to hold onto the book throughout every move I’ve made, but I might have finally thrown it away as “if I haven’t read this yet, I probably never will”. :-/

Anyway, this song always seemed happy and sad at the same time for me – she still has contact with her husband, of a sort, but it’s not and never will be, the same. The part about the blossom reminds me of the way she somehow coaxed morning glories to grow completely out of season because he was depressed about never being able to see them again.