A poem for the dying and those caring for the dying

A poem for the dying and those caring for the dying

A poem by Audrey Arden-Jones which was specially written for our podcast and featured in episode 28 on the subject of the art of listening well.

Listening before leaving

(for the dying and those who are caring for the dying)

 

Last days, last minutes of a life – time sacred, 

time to listen: hands in hands & playing music, 

a favourite piece: again & again; whispers in prayers,

whispers in songs: time to be, to feel air, to feel 

the summer warmth of closeness: knowing leave

we must and trust we must:  knowing hearing

is the last to leave us: sounds of sunlight splintering

through a shifting sky: flocks of birds listening.

 

Audrey Ardern-Jones

 

Listen to episode 28 of our podcast on the art of listening well here.

The Art of Dying Well