Poems for Ethan

written by Rachael Burkholder and
shared by Carrie Ahmann

Date: Sat, 09 Oct 1999

Ahmann-Weaver, Ethan Robert

Season's Change, Life's Renewal

I lay in the newly fallen snow, so pure, so calm and I cry I cry out with so much pain, so much agony, the energy is unleashed What has happened? I do not understand. How can life be so unkind?
My tears fall onto the snow and melt it away Beneath, fine blades of grass appear; life waiting patiently to begin
with the coming of the season
And then I know, for that brief moment life captures a child, it is a
miracle caught in the moment, like that moment of first bloom Uninhibited and pure, comforting and gentle The once silent snowfall is suddenly booming with laughter I am crying now not out of grief, but of a joy only brought on by the
gift given to me
The memories fill my heart and I am soaring The life that once was thought to be gone is in the air all around me,
in my mind, in my heart
I feel at peace, the new season is coming and life begins anew.

--Rachael Burkholder

Guardian Angel

And the little angel asked, "why do they grieve so?" "It is because they love you," said the older, wiser angel, "they miss you"
The little angel did not like to see the tears of sadness fall, so he went to them
He straightened his halo, and smoothed his gown, for he wanted to be at his best to make everyone smile again He was quite puzzled by their sadness--all of their faces were so grim
The little angel walked around the room and touched the hand of each person, provoking a memory
He giggled and waited in anticipation
All of the sudden, tears stopped flowing, and murmurs filled the room Smiles lit up the faces of the little angel's family He was so delighted-each person had their own story to tell, their own bit of love to share
The little angel was quite pleased with all of this and decided it was time to go
He kissed each person upon the cheek, and filled their spirits with a quiet peace The little angel shed but a tear
"Why do you weep?” asked the older, wiser angel "Because I am happy-forever and ever we will be a family with memories to last an eternity" And the little angel always stayed close and watched over the people, holding their hands and making them smile.
--Rachael Burkholder