Let’s say we gathered on the street tomorrow,
and let’s say we met in Kazakhstan
on a windy day near the Caspian Shore,
then I would say to you, as the Kazakhs do,
I see the sun on your back.
It means, Thank you for being you.
It means, I am alive because of your help.
Then I would ask to hug you and probably cry
because it’s everything, what you’ve done for me.
And as you walk away, I would marvel
at the radiance beaming from between your shoulders,
shining down your spine. It’s been so dark, and oh,
how you’ve carried me with your light.
Dear Friends,
In the past four months, I have felt so supported, loved, blessed, encouraged. Thank you. For any way, big or small, that you supported me and my family–sending cards, lighting candles, saying prayers, reaching out to others who are struggling, and so many other beautiful gestures–I thank you. This poem is for you.
Love,
Rosemerry
PS: This is the website I stumbled on which is a fun source for international idioms such as the one in this poem.
Paraphrasing, Wendy, “Oh Honey, that’s what we do: We help each other.”
oh yeah—it’s what we do. xoxo
Such a lovely poem. If you feel blessed by us, know that we have felt blessed in equal measure by you – by your courage, honesty, grief, and grace. We see the sun on your back!
oh dear you, thank you–thank you for all the support for so long
And you for us – space to be. Thank you!
space to be indeed–thank you, Suez … thank you
“Sun on your back” conveys both brightening and warming … and Rosemerry, your sharing these last few months has shed light and warmth on my grief. Just the thought of the group hug you suggest makes my spine tingle – letting go a bit more resistance. So grateful.
Isn’t that the loveliest phrase? soooooo grateful for you, dear Jazz
This is so lovely. It is aways a pleasure and a privilege to read you.
thank you, Sherry, for all the support, thank you
thank you, rosemerry, for sharing your thoughts and feelings so generously (to all of us normal mortals) and helpfully, and now illuminating even the road to life again. You have grown, and now helped us grow. thank you!
Oh dear you–thank you for all the ways you’ve supported and encouraged me for years–big gratitude, Rosemerry
Our collective light, guided by your wisdom, have supported us all in our individual griefs, dissipating the darkness. As you have shown us, we are all one. much love and gratitude to you Rosemerry. xoxo
Thank you, dear Jan–your support during this time especially–and before, too–has meant so much. with love, rosemerry
Thank you for illuminating my path and warming what is cold In my life wiith your generosity and openness. Your poems are such a joy, such a gift, such a blessing every morning. Sending you a lot of love and gratitude.
thank you, Helena–what a gift that we could meet this way across borders through poetry!