Oh Laughing Heart (for Bridget)
In this time of grief
Let your family and friends
Like a boat that is out at sea
Being held by the waves
Carry you, carry you, carry you
As your father carried you
When you were young
Light of joy flashing in his eye
Oh gentle wonder
In loving amazement
At the gifts we are given
The time we have had
All the precious moments held
In the beauty of this life together
Which can never be taken from you.
Hold your memories close to your heart
Like a fresh bouquet of bright flowers
Dried and tucked into your favourite places
Admired in the light
Of the summer sun
In the fading day
Where that warm embrace
Of father and daughter
Holds you still
And holds you still
And wraps its tender love around your heart
and carries you, carries you, carries you
Even as he is carried
Gently on ahead of you
Hand in hand
With those you have loved
Hand in hand
As they go on before
Hand in hand
Gently on ahead.
Written for Bridget Kavanagh on the passing of her father Tom Stafford of Gorey, Co. Wexford. All who knew him were better for it. God bless.