Ode to Death Poem
As I shrink
Into a soul
My worldly goods
I no longer hold
I leave behind
A mess to clean up
Some memories of hope
And an empty cup
The happy accidents
That created my life
Kept me enthusiastic
Despite their strife
Your heart may be hurting
But do not despair
Just take a long walk
Out in the fresh air
I’ll whisper thoughts
Of love from afar
You’ll forgive my mistakes
When you look at a star
If you listen to music
Enjoy coffee and a chat
You can mystically create
Your very own life’s map
I may be gone
But bravely sigh
All is not lost
Tomorrow is nigh
Be enchanted
By the God within
Let it be your guide
And make you grin
Live more simply
And subtly declare
To truly be human
I’ll be more aware
Be foolish, be holy
Make mistakes now and then
Get up, keep going
Then do it all again
Let peace be your salve
And don’t fear my passing
I couldn’t stay forever
But thanks for asking
For now my strength
Is yours to hold
As you love one another
Go forth and be bold
Today I attended the memorial service of Michael Leunig at St Paul’s Cathedral on the corner of Swanston and Elizabeth Streets in Melbourne. You can watch the service online on YouTube.
I wrote a poem as I was waiting for the service to begin, but I also took notes during the service. I wrote this poem on the way home in the train to encapsulate several of the points made in the service as a ‘summary’ of some of Michael’s profound wisdom and perception of the human condition.
There were many interesting points made about his friendships, his work and his life and I came away with an innate sense that they were all the same thing – and maybe that is the lesson he has taught his ‘family, friends and fans.’
A person I know recently sent me a video about the service of self being the service to all. As an artist, Leunig reflected on what he saw and felt in everyday life and delivered the sacred to us in a way we didn’t always understand but somehow understood. Perhaps that is why the haters emerged, because they could not ‘bear the difference of others.’
As a holy fool, willing to poke our beliefs and question our habits, he was acutely aware of how ‘truth sparks outrage’ and it is an act of enormous faith to put your own work in the public domain where people are all too willing to criticise rather than clarify.
I encourage you to watch the service and reflect on his life’s journey through the eyes of these people, their words, their songs and their music. Leunig leaves a lasting liturgical legacy for us to learn from. With love, Sue Ellson 🙂
Photo: Cloudehill Garden, Olinda, Victoria on 6 January 2025.
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