So familiar, how the dusky pink sunset
glows above snow-covered mountains,
The color blesses me as I walk alone
while Eva Cassidy sings in my ear,
I know you by heart,
I know you by heart.
My son has been dead
for over year, and now by heart
is the only way I know him.
No longer by touch, by sound, by scent.
Eva sings about how old joy
lives on and on,
and I breathe into the truth of it.
Two years ago I sent my son photographs
of this same dusky pink sunset
over snow-covered mountains—
there was joy in sharing it with him
and I feel that joy now as I talk to him,
my words coming out as visible air
as I speak to what cannot be seen.
Eva sings it again, a descending line,
I know you by heart.
I am grateful for the certainty
that rings through me in song.
He is here. As is joy.
Though he is gone.
“I know you by heart.” I know you fully, totally, without having to think or remember. Also, I know you by heart—specifically, your heart. Too, of course, “i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)”
I don’t know Eve Cassidy. I’ll be correcting this, just like I did after you once referenced Snow Patrol.
Ahhh, Eva! Oh friend, I envy you discovering her voice for the first time–It’s heaven.
Oh, Eva! How she could sing from the depths of her soul. Her version of Fields of Gold – so glorious – even Sting was moved to tears hearing it. So glad for what rings through you in her song!
Of course that is one of my favorites, too … ohhhhhh that voice. she felt it all so deeply, brought it through as if every cell was singing
Ohhhhhh, Rosemerry! You echolocate with your heartbeats!!! Could anything, anything be more accurately described than through the shape of love?
oh what a beautiful way to say this!! Thank you, friend … the shape of love indeed
– of course you do and I trust you always will. Knowing
“by heart” is as real as breath and pink sunsets.
Gorgeous poem, filled with joy and gratitude, and sorrow. I found Eve Cassidy a couple of years ago. Where had I been?!
Her Fields of Gold is sublime. I love this reference!
thank you, friend–she is extraordinary. I can hear her heart in her voice …
love to you
Loss and joy, beauty and sorrow, they really are inextricable, aren’t they. xoxo
together, same time, so closely linked.