Requiem

For a Father and His Dying Son

1
Creator’s blessing rests on the ones who walk a trail of tears,
for he will wipes the tears from their eyes and comfort them.
Those who plant in tears will harvest in singing.
The planter walks along with his seeds and weeps.
He will certainly come back singing, carrying his harvest.

2 
All humanity is like grass, and their glory like its flower.
The flower fades, but the word in our hearts remains forever.
Be patient for your homecoming; it may rain awhile.
The word in your heart brings good tidings.
You will always be accepted and will find joy.

3
Let me know my fate, how much longer will I live.
You have shown me just how frail I am.
We are not very experienced with time,
yet our lives seem only a breath or puff of wind.
Just know this – your soul is in the hand of God,
and no torment will touch you.

4
There are still places to go, and I yearn for them.
My heart and my body cry out for what 
I can only imagine, for a new place to live.
As I make this journey to find that place,
Let me know that it’s really there.

5 
You are sad now, but I will see you again,
and your heart will then be full of joy.
No one will take that away from you.
Begin to see how these efforts will bring peace.
As a mother comforts a child so I will comfort you.

6
There is no permanent dwelling here for us anyway.
We are looking for one that is yet to be.
In the blink of an eye all of us shall be changed.
You are worthy, a divinely created and creative being.
God made the universe, and you made some of it too.

7
Now your struggles will come to an end.
Rest in your work and in the joy you’ve found.
God will set new foundations.
All of you who are thristy, come to the water.
These waters flow from up above.
Give attention; come for love.

Dedication

These passages are free translations from the Old and New Testaments of sections that were used in Brahms Requiem. They are dedicated to Stan who is well-acquainted with grief and Kevin who is well-acquainted with suffering and sorrow.