Sample Poems by Cathy A. Cato
Funeral/Celebration Service Pamphlet Poem
(created within days of death)
To Irma
There is no need to wave goodbye.
We hold
our hands directly over our hearts in gratitude,
for all the love you placed there.
You are home now, only after
preparing us for your absence.
Cathy Cato
2011
Tribute Poem
(created shortly after the death of both parents)
A Tribute to Jeanette and Paul Jost
All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh
less than a single lovely action. James Russell Lowell
Salt of the earth is too plain a description. They worked the earth,
raised eight children, supported the community and lived
as husband and wife for 72 years.
Jeanette was one of those rare women who always made room
for one more at her table of ten. A woman you could count on
when a neighbor needed help. She delivered what was asked for
and more.
“Grandma” was a familiar call from 23 grandchildren
and countless community children who received
her nurturing love and attention.
Jeanette was the rock you didn’t see –
the foundation of the family.
Paul was as loud as Jeanette was quiet. Described
as a character, he stood up for what was right
and the plight of the underdog. Compassion
fueled his actions for family, for community,
for his country.
He cultivated respect for all
and planted seeds of success and noble work
in his children and their children.
To simply say Jeanette and Paul will be missed
doesn’t reflect the impact they’ve had. Losing
both of them wrenched the hearts
of those they’ve left.
As hearts slowly begin to heal, deep appreciation
for who they were, the examples they set,
and the love they gave will remain
for now
for generations
to come –
Amen.
Cathy Cato 2.24.2020
Comfort Poem
(created shortly after the death of both parents)
For Carol
Be silent.
In your silence
know you are loved
by your parents and
their parents – and all
the generations before.
Listen for the German
and Polish lullabies,
rhythms of comfort
and care. The sounds
of the farm house,
your mother’s feet padding
about her kitchen.
The creak of the oven door
that announces
her oatmeal raisin cookies
have arrived. Hear
the tiny waterfall
of fresh milk poured
into your favorite glass.
Listen to the land and
the constant thrum
of your father’s tractor.
Hear the silence
when it stops. Listen
to the birds’ announcements,
the soft bellowing of the cows,
church bells in the distance.
Sit on the creek bed
take in the melodic sound
of unhurried water
over pebbles. The rustle
of oak leaves
as they respond
to the moving air.
Listen for your parents
in your own heart
that keeps beating
even when you are
at your lowest. Seek
the ebb and flow
of their lives over time
before and after
your creation.
Accept again
the comfort and warmth
of your mother’s womb,
the firmness
of your father’s hands
as he reaches to you
for the very first
time.
Comfort Poem
(created several years after the death of a young child)
Rachel
Ah sadness, I should not treat you
like a blouse too small hidden
in the bottom drawer – or a tattered sock
that will never be repaired, under
all the ones that are whole.
I kept your Cinderella jammies under your pillow
for many months after your death. Every night
I held them close to my heart, inhaled your faint scent.
My only earthly connection to you.
We are moving to a new home now – I must decide.
They’ve been hiding too long already, and I can’t
bear to box them up or give them away.
And only I have been holding them.
Perhaps I will store them in a magnificent chest
in a prominent place, among other belongings
you loved. I may frame the wall
with Christmas tree lights –
the kind you called sparkles. I will share
the contents with everyone who has a heart.
Who has suffered loss.
And I will take out your jammies
Whenever I want or need to.
I will name them comfort.
Poem With Adornment
