Peace Eternal... ( Archived) (10)

This poem, also written by late father, was a sort of reprise to "Peace of Mind." It was written after a fishing trip we'd gone on, just a few weeks after he written Peace of Mind ...I had the honor or reciting this at his graveside service. Hope you enjoy.


Peace Eternal…


“Bury me by the creek bank.”
The old man did softly say.
“With my rod and reel and tackle box
To help while the time away.

Your mother lies upon the knoll
Where she can see the town she loves.
But I want down by the creek bank,
Where I can hear the turtle doves.”

The old man’s eyes were misty
As we sat in the sun by the creek.
“Your mother and I will be together
In the eternal peace we seek.

“We’ve loved each other for fifty years,
And she’s always just a thought away…
So please… Bury me by the creek bank
Where the animals come to play.

“Where I can hear the big fish splashin’
Down where the insects swarm.
Where the little boys come fishin’,
In the summer, when it’s warm…”

~~//~~

We buried him there, by the cottonwoods,
Where the creek skirts the edge of the farm.
Not far from the knoll where mother lies
And up safe from spring floods’ harm…

And I’m sure he’s found eternal peace
And I’m sure that Mom is glad.
For as she looks out over the town she loved…
She also watches over Dad!

By William Donald McCrary (c)May1979

Wow. Shed a tear there, so beautiful. Thank you for sharing that.

Your father was an amazing writer...I don't think I would have had the strenght to recite this poem at his grave-side...Without uncontrollable tears!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you - Kind words indeed. I was fortunate in being able to distance myself briefly and approach this from the perspective that I needed to do a good job for Dad. I also owed it to Mom - Who was sitting there with tears of sorrow for her lost soul mate and tears of pride for her youngest son. ...My own tears came a few hours later - While I was "fishing" with Dad one last time...

I guess it kinda' goes without saying that whatever talent I possess came from him and he remains one of my very favorite poets of all times...

He was a wonderful man and a great dad, and I'm almost ashamed to admit that it took me a while to realize that he was also one of the best friends I've ever had. We lost him to Alzheimers on April 28, 2001. He and Mom had been married exactly 51 years and 1 month... And I miss him somethin' fierce!

What a beautiful poem. I loved it. Thanks for sharing it with us.