Clouds Passing: Meditations On Aging, Death & Dying
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
In Springtime Before Chemo Begins Leaning close to the ground, an English laurel ice storms bowed is asking me for her up-righting. I ponder the question of who would come to me in death’s humiliation? So, I get to work, wedging my shoulder strongly against the thick contour of her body, leaning into her for leverage, pressing my weight against her ribs, I lunge again and again, digging in, I feel her rising, arching to allow a wooden brace wedged under her arms, until undaunted she stands, supple and green. Her roots are exposed; I must set a stake, cover them with compost, a warm blanket, calm and comforting. Later, sparrows return to sing, dancing upon her ledges. Together we watch the wonder of springtime, waiting… for winter’s return.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
This chapbook of poetry is focused on the experience of loss, dying, and reaching the end of life. Its poetry offers a unique format for personal reflection. Each poem is followed by a blank page with a prompt question to aid the reader’s exploration of some theme contained in the poem. A slow reading of this chapbook, daily entries on the reflection pages, and the opportunity to write one’s own poem provide the reader a rich and safe space to learn more about one’s own death and preparation for the death of a beloved friend or member of the family.
About the Author
Melvin Dowdy is an author, lecturer, therapist, clinical ethicist and an ordained minister. He has worked with the terminally ill and the dying for more than 50 years. Among his specializations as a therapist, he has provided grief counseling to family members, advanced preparation to persons facing the end of life, and ethical consultation on making end-of-life decisions.