Love first, let thought follow

Somewhere in the space between

a prayer and open sky.

A familiar pull, it beckons me,

and I close my tired eyes.

A world turned bright; my worry gone.

There’s something lovely about this place.

Someone approaches from behind,

though I couldn’t see the face.

“Who are you? Where are we standing?”

I ask, afraid to move and see it go.

Then to my shoulder, a familiar hand,

I don’t have to look to know.

My throat, it tightens, my breath stands still.

The tears spill from my eyes.

Familiar and new, and everything in between,

like an unexpected sunrise.

I know you have some questions.

Hey, I still have some too.

But while you’re here, I’ll do my best

to answer just a few…

I’m doing well, I’m happy here, my burdens aren’t the same.

They’re lifting me and showing me. They call me by my name.

You shouldn’t wonder what you could have done,

it’s not healthy, fair, or right.

The darkness of my weary mind,

was a cold and endless night.

And I understand what I couldn’t before,

my worth was far beyond what I could see.

The pain was heavy, more than arms could lift.

Now my thoughts are finally free.

There’s old and young here on this side,

and the family you knew I’d find.

When I wrestle Grandpa over here,

sometimes he whips my behind!

And then we laugh and side by side,

We build something together.

A favorite hobby for me over here,

Second to watching my children there.

The food is great, but we don’t need it.

Our bodies aren’t the same.

The exhaustion and the tired hands,

were meant for earth and her game.

The colors are brighter, the quiet: abundant,

laughter is just as important on this side.

Without opening our mouths, we tell our stories,

Strengthening each other, with nothing to hide.

I’m sorry for leaving so quickly.

I wish it hadn’t caused everyone such pain.

I watch you all so intently from here,

knowing one day we’ll laugh and hug again.

And until then, if you can do it for me,

will you please tell all the others,

to look out for the troubled ones,

we’re all sisters and we’re all brothers.

Children of a King,

Royalty in our very creation.

Money and prestige don’t matter here,

life, a transient separation.

Take one day at a time, let hurt run its course,

but don’t be swallowed in the sorrow.

Live to lift, your load will lighten with theirs.

Tell them: love first and let thought follow.

Earth has songs to sing and light to bring,

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow,

Tell ‘em I’m thinking of them, when they’re thinking of me,

love first, and let thought follow.

-hb mercy

(before my brother passed away, he'd written down the words "love first, let thought follow". this poem is based on that statement and a daydream i had on the anniversary of his passing as i meditated and prayed during heavy memories. i took the photo from where i sat at sunrise as my mind searched for rest and found these words)