Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis Sermons

Consolation

Mourning by Harold M. Schulweis

I would comfort you, dear friend
wipe away your tears
Turn your sorrow into joy.

I would console you
With words of ancient wisdom
Of the need for acceptance of the inevitable
The inexorable course of life.

I would speak to you of
The immortality of influence
The afterlife of memory
The echo of goodness
In the cavern of our lives.

Yet the sages caution
Not in haste
To console the bereaved
Not too soon
To begin the healing.

I would raise the heavy weight
From your heart,
Wave a wand and transform your grief.

But the heart has its own wisdom
Sets its own time
And will not be rushed.

Now is the time for silence
the dumb silence that awaits
The coming of a new mood,
And a brighter spirit
With you, friend,
I will be silent
Tomorrow we will speak.

* This document, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced without the written permission of the author.