for nancy

[ex-lifeofawo188.livejournal.com]

Death be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not so,
For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee,
Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee doe goe,
Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie.
Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell,
And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well,
And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then;
One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally,
And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.


-John Donne, Death Be Not Proud



My friend Nancy died last week after a long battle with cancer. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Comments

[jacinthsong.livejournal.com]

I don't pray, but I do have every sympathy for you and her family at this time; I remember reading Donne when my grandmother died some years ago and being comforted, or at least drawn away for a while. xx

[threeandnine.livejournal.com]

Peace.

[katers007.livejournal.com]

Words that have also helped me. I'm glad they provide some comfort, and my thoughts are with you and your loved ones.