Jonathan Schiffman

Stand and be counted

Begotten of nations

The heart still barely pumping

The life slow fading out

Tall and well-deserving

The sunlight through the trees

It waves and falters

at the mention of the thing

now, fade into oblivion

content with what comes next

for all that stands behinds you

fondly besets

with a wave and a smile,

yours to hold

and take with you in your breast pocket

stand tall

and be remembered

great patriarch

fighter of wars

lover of all

you are ours

we are yours

we, the living

stand and sing your dirge

do not fear

the great, calculating wilderness

before you

it will swim in translucent brilliance

as you rise to meet it

it will walk along riverbeds

and swim in still waters

it will shine, and light your face

all brilliant and bewildering

as you rest, content

knowing you have played your part

and we shall not forget you

oh beholder of foundations

of the earth that spins silent

you have seen the moonlight rising

you have felt the winter breeze

and have cradled life itself

in your bright, warm eyes

you are forgiven

you are justified

you have fulfilled what stood before you

and now, rest

rest well and forever

as you rise to meet the noontide

stand tall and be remembered

great lover, provider

begetter

we, the begotten

stand grateful

for the breath, now failing, in your lungs

for the beat, now slowing, of your heart

for the pleasant honor of knowing

of your presence

of your time

I will speak your name, as long as I have breath

I will tell my children the wonders you befell

I will see to your remembrance as a nursing fawn

I will watch it grow and gather,

into a constant, pulsing being

you will be remembered

full of life, full of kindness

fondly

and generations will know

the beauty of your name

so go now, in silence

knowing all is well