Two Poems
by Vicki Perry

The Gathering

People of all walks of life do meet,

Each year and it’s such a treat.

For those that come, do laugh, and blend.

One more heart each time will mend.

Food, family, new and old faces;

From here and there, from far away places.

We meet, hug and share a tale;

A good time had by all, without fail.

Each time a heart will heal;

From tales shared over a meal.

We share stories, love and laughter;

To bring more healing in the days after.

Meeting with someone you thought you hated;

Leftover pain between you, opinions debated.

Healing your soul, repairing your heart;

Healing the distance, the space apart.

We share our stories, bringing laughter to amuse;

We listen to others, their points and views.

We live, laugh, and love a lot in little time;

We sing, drum, and do a bit of rhyme.

Each person is special at the meeting each year;

Bringing everyone closer, these times so dear.

In the past you were all one, held together by belief;

Together as one, though good times and grief.

Forgiveness is always found here;

For family is stronger than past actions and fear.

Every year we lose one more out of the family tree;

Binding you closer, to a higher degree.

We’ve all shared loss, pain, suffering and sorrow;

And we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

Bound by such an event of pure shock;

Of which some outsiders only laugh and mock.

Only our friends, family and ones you hold dear;

Understand your suffering, year after year.

Whatever it is this year may bring;

Come share it with family, at the gathering.

918 Doves

November 18^th was a rainy, dark day;

One of sorrow, horror, pain and dismay.

Loved ones with their lives did pay;

For what we believed in, that dreadful day.

They are now in connection with the one;

All pain and suffering now undone.

For them do not feel sorrow, guilt, or shame;

For in God’s eyes, you are not to blame.

They were taken right then and there;

To a beautiful, meaningful place where,

All were meant to be, that’s where they belong;

You will see them once more, it won’t be too long.

The rain storm blew in for those that were there;

To show you the angels were everywhere.

They chose that day to intervene;

Sending down tears they cried, to the scene.

Your loved ones were escorted to the next plane;

Where there is no horror, sorrow, or distain.

There they are smiling, watching us below;

Directing us, loving us, watching us grow.

They know you still feel all the guilt and shame;

They know too that you weren’t to blame.

For all is forgiven in that plane divine;

The pain disappears, the light does shine.

God’s hand is on the loved ones that passed;

And you too, praying your guilt will not last.

Forgiving each other and yourself too;

Is what he desires for all of you.

The children were blessed to be in your care;

They send you their love each time you give prayer.

Knowing your intention was good and pure;

Of this they do know for sure.　

Each time you visit where they lay;

To talk to them, to cry, and to pray.

Know they are sending back to you;

The light from above, and their love too.

For each person that passed that dreadful day;

A dove was sent to earth, to light the way.

To open your hearts, share love with each other;

Give of yourself, bless another.

For all of the doves released that eve;

The world now holds more light than one can believe.

Lighting your path through the rest of your life;

Bringing peace, enlightened spirits, and no more strife.

Each time a dove does fly by;

Way up high, way up in the sky.

Let your heart be at peace and know you’re okay;

For the dove and your loved one are lighting your way.

(Vicki Perry is a regular contributor to the jonestown report. Her previous articles are Reality Check and Thank You. She can be reached at vickiperry@live.com or oregonbrainfeeder@yahoo.com.)