Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

Dickinson writes with timeless insight in her poem, “All But Death Can Be Adjusted”, below. Though only two stanzas in length, she poetically captures the unpredictability of life and the finality of death. Dickinson concludes her poem emphatically with her perspective on death — essentially, once you’re gone, you’re gone – but I think it’s her view of life that is most poignant. Basically, Dickinson tells us that life goes on, and there is power to change, to heal, and to exceed. Similarly, we must also navigate life’s unfortunate realities of stagnation, pain, and failure. (more…)

Today, in honor of Black History month, Valley of Life is highlighting African-American poet James Weldon Johnson (1817-1939). Born in Florida, Johnson attended Atlanta University with the intention that his education would further the interests of the black people. As a result, Johnson composed a number of influential pieces during his lifetime. In 1900, he wrote a song for Lincoln’s birthday that eventually became known as the “Negro National Anthem.” In 1920, he became the national organizer for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Below, Johnson composed a poetic funeral sermon: (more…)

To celebrate Black History month, Valley of Life is featuring poetry composed by the black community in America. An earlier poet, Langston Hughes (1902-1967), was well-known for his literary works during a period called the “Harlem Renaissance.” Below, Hughes offers his thoughts on the ability to honor one’s death through a poem he composed about a funeral in Harlem.

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The following poem was composed by John McCrae, a doctor serving in the military during wartime. Upon the death of a friend and former student he had been serving with, McCrae scribbled the fifteen lines below during one of his breaks, gazing upon the grave of his friend. The poem was nearly lost when McCrae threw it away, but another soldier sent it off to England to be published. McCrae’s words below, for me, embody the camaraderie of military fellows and the character of death all in the beautiful language and meter of poetry. (more…)

Nearly a week ago, tragedy struck the Haitian nation. Today, devastation continues to take its toll. Homes, businesses, schools are left in ruin, and friends and family continue to realize terrible fears — their loved ones have been lost. In the wake of this disaster, Valley of Life encourages you to support the grieving nation in any way you can. Some can give money, others can provide skills and manpower, and others can simply offer prayers and hope for the future. Still, there are those who wish to humbly offer the comforting power of the written word in order to help navigate the road to recovery. As such, the following is a recently composed memorial poem for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. (more…)