A poem for Lon Allan:
Rest in Peace, Dear Brother
By Sylvia M. Jackson
I.
Rest in peace, dear brother
The sea, it beckons thee
Aquinnah is the land you love
Where your soul is free
Praying for your spirit
To be at peace, my dear,
Know despite the pain and sorrow
In my heart, you dwelleth near
No longer will you suffer
As your loved ones shed a tear
I pray your soul is healed and pleased
Relinquishing all fear
A stalwart man, so “cool” and strong
Yet sensitive and blue
You were also happy
Resounding joy to all you knew
Brother, though you don’t believe,
I loved you through and through
Through the silence and the loud
Through the hurt and pain
Through the happy memories
I wish we’d live again
Your soul, at final rest
Will be placed where you love
Spirit of the Cherokee
You’ll rise above the cloud
Like the proud and soaring eagle
You lived your life out loud
II.
Rest in peace, Lon Allan
You were your parent’s joy
You were loved
Above it all
From whence a little boy
A first born son, you’ll always be
And Father’s waiting
Arms outstretched
As wide as the great sea/see
Underneath the rainbow
Is where I know you’ll be
Love overcomes
Everything
If you let it in
Love overcomes
Everything
It’s then that you will win
Rest in peace, dear brother
The sea, it beckons thee
Aquinnah is the land you love
Where your spirit’s free
Sylvia M. Jackson wrote this poem for her late brother, Lon Allan Jackson. Their family spent many memorable times on the Island.
Poets with a connection to Martha’s Vineyard are encouraged to submit poems to Poet’s Corner curator Laura Roosevelt at ldroosevelt@gmail.com.
