Grief. Letting go. Trusting. Having faith. Henry Van Dyke’s poem “Perspective” has been read, sung, YouTubed, illustrated many times for a reason. It is comforting.
A beautiful hope-filled vision. I hope my loved ones are basking in the warmth of ancestors and friends. Or just electrons frolicking through the universe.
I envision a welcoming person or group at the end of the journey happily waving “Here she comes!” It could be a boat or a human passing over to the other side. Or heaven. It’s apparently read at funerals.
A beautiful hope-filled vision. I hope my loved ones are basking in the warmth of ancestors and friends. Or just electrons frolicking through the universe.
Me, too!
Love that. I just know in my soul that’s as close as a human can get, with words anyway, to a description of “what happens after”.
Yes, that’s the perfect way to think of it, Bonnie!
I like this poem a lot. A great take on perspective. But what does he mean by the final line?
I envision a welcoming person or group at the end of the journey happily waving “Here she comes!” It could be a boat or a human passing over to the other side. Or heaven. It’s apparently read at funerals.
Oooh it didn’t cross my mind…
I have heard it read at a funeral. Very moving. Thanks for sharing it
Thanks, Richard.
Beauty. Simple and fine.
Thanks, Judith—it has stayed with me a long time.
Wow!