Remembrance.

 

This poem is a personal elegy—a remembrance written to someone the speaker deeply loved who has died. Line by line, it reveals grief, love, guilt, and acceptance intertwined.

Here’s what it’s expressing in plain terms:

Loss connected to winter and Christmas

“Winter always reminds me of you… Especially the 24th of December.” Winter—and specifically Christmas Eve—marks the time of the person’s death. 

Holidays often intensify grief because they’re associated with family and togetherness.

A spiritual framing of death.

“When God said, ‘Come home, daughter. No more pain…’”

The speaker finds comfort in the belief that God took her to end her suffering. This frames death not as abandonment, but as release and peace.

Love that endures beyond death.

“I know you'll be leaving your loved ones, but your love will remain.”

The poem emphasizes that physical absence doesn’t erase emotional presence. Love continues to live on in memory.

Rituals of remembrance.

“I'll light another small white ceremonial candle.” Lighting a candle symbolizes mourning, remembrance, and ongoing connection. It indicates that the speaker actively honors her memory.

Grief mixed with gratitude.

“Yes, I could say I miss you, but…”

Instead of focusing only on pain, the speaker chooses to hold onto the joy of what they shared. This suggests a mature, reflective stage of grief.

Waves of longing.

“Whenever they push through.”

Grief isn’t constant—it comes in waves. The speaker acknowledges moments when sadness resurfaces.

Guilt and unresolved promises.

“I apologize for still being single…”

The speaker feels guilt for not moving on romantically, as if they made a promise to the deceased to continue living fully.

Irreplaceable love.

“But who's going to replace you?”

This isn’t just romantic love—it suggests a soulmate-level bond. The speaker feels no one could ever take her place.

Angel imagery and freedom.

“My Diamond and Kingdom… gained her angel wings.” Calling her “Diamond” and “Kingdom” shows how precious and central she was. Becoming an angel represents freedom from suffering and elevation beyond earthly pain.

The poem is about grieving a beloved woman (likely a partner) who died—possibly after illness—around Christmas. It reflects deep love.

Spiritual comfort.

Enduring connection.

Guilt about moving on.

Acceptance without forgetting.

It’s not just about missing someone—it’s about learning to live with love after loss.

So here it is. 

Title.

Remembrance.

(A lone voice whispers)

Winter always reminds me of you.

Especially the 24th of December, when God said, “Come home, daughter. No more pain. I know you'll be leaving your loved ones, but your love will remain.”

So tonight I'll light another small white ceremonial candle to remember you and all the sweet little things we used to do.

Yes, I could say I miss you, but we shared such beautifully incredible moments together that they sweep away the anxiety and longing.

 Whenever they push through.

I apologize for still being single even though I promised you in time I would try to move on and meet someone new.

But who's going to replace you?

My Diamond and Kingdom, who gained her angel wings to find freedom.

(C) Copyright John Duffy 

    

Image shared under fair usage policy.