The epitaph that C. S. Lewis wrote for his wife Joy (1960) is one of the most moving I have ever come across. I love how he describes the body she left behind as a whole world, a world that was reflected uniquely in her mind. It's so true that the world is only what it is in the mind of each of us. All we know of the world is what enters our mind of it. When a person dies a world is lost. Yet in the loss there is hope that the body has been cast off as a garment to be resumed in a new way in celebration on resurrection day.Here the whole world (stars, water, air,
And field and forest, as they were
Reflected in a single mind)
Like cast off clothes were left behind
In ashes yet with hope that she,
Re-born from holy poverty
In Lenten Lands, hereafter may
Resume them on her Easter Day.
Here is a picture of Joy Davidman Lewis:
1 comment:
Well said.
Your comments as well.
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