Essay Ally

March 5 would have been my father’s 59th birthday. But he never lived past 48.

On December 5, 1997 he dropped me off at school. I was in 10th grade. That morning was the last time I ever saw my father. Tragically, he had a stroke several hours later. While he was on life support for those few hours before they determined his brain was dead, I could have seen him. But I knew there were only two possible outcomes, he would survive or he wouldn’t. If he survived, I would see him again. If he didn’t, I wanted to remember him from that morning.

Now, looking back over ten years, I remember the living moments. And I try not to mourn him too much. Life is for the living, they say. But on Wednesday I remembered a story by Ray Bradbury called “There Will Come Soft Rains” about a house that continues living long past when all life is gone. Life does go on, with or without us. And from that title I also recalled this other poem, a rather morose and suicidal number, that gets to me sometimes. So I thought I would share it

I Shall Not Care

When I am dead and over me bright April
Shakes out her rain-drenched hair,
Though you shall lean above me broken-hearted,
I shall not care.

I shall have peace, as leafy trees are peaceful
When rain bends down the bough;
And I shall be more silent and cold-hearted
Than you are now.

-Sara Teasdale

Share your favorite poem, story, movie, etc.. with me.  What inspires you?  What moments in your life define you?  We could all use a little enrichment and academic indulgence.