The grammar of love

I am

you are

we are

we were

I am

Jeg er

du er

vi er

vi var

jeg er

Memories

Norsk tekst under bildet

I keep our memories 

like pebbles in my pocket

smooth and round 

they roll easily between my fingers

one by one I bring them out and 

nestle them in the palm of my hand and 

I hold them up for the sun to shine on them

each one is a precious jewel

each one cracks an opening in the darkness

when it reflects the light of our shared journey

Jeg tar vare på minnene 

som småstein i lomma

runde og glatte 

ruller de lett mellom fingrene mine

en etter en tar jeg dem fram

holder dem forsiktig i hånda

løfter dem opp så sola kan skinne på dem

hver og en er en verdifull juvel

hver og en lager en sprekk i mørket

når den reflekterer lyset fra vår reise sammen

© Inger-Marie Sæverud

Until death would part us

We were two individuals.

Rooted, confident, independent.

We kept approaching, 

approaching and approaching.

It took many ”first sights” 

before love came into the picture,

until eventually that day came 

when we allowed ourselves

the luxury of saying

”I love you”

We loved each other.

There was no doubt.

There was no doubt 

there was a future for us.

Together, we were so strong.

We were so together.

We were not ”I” and ”I” any more.

It would always be ”us” from now on.

Until death would part us.

Together, and between us, 

we created life.

Two beautiful children 

sprang from our love.

They flourished and grew

in age and wisdom.

How we loved them!

We kept them close 

so they could become

rooted, confident, independent.

How we loved them!

The fruits of our love.

We grew too, in age, 

and hopefully in wisdom.

We aged, and planned to 

continue to age 

together

Then the unthinkable day came.

we had to start grieving together.

So totally unthinkable.

Death did not yet part you and I,

but death parted us from 

our love son.

So unthinkable and so unbearable.

In the midst of all the unthinkable,

we were still together

to share that unbearable grief.

Together we managed to bear the unbearable

because we reminded eachother that he was loved.

Oh, so loved!

Our remaining love daughter,

with her own sibling grief, 

became our rock and support.

Two grandsons joined us.

Even before they arrived

they were the apple of our eyes.

How we loved them, 

our prides and joys.

Much too soon,

the next unthinkable day came.

I had to say goodbye to you,

the love of my life 

when death came barging in and said,

your contract is fulfilled,

I have to part you.

Again it was unthinkable and unbearable.

We had planned to grow old together!

But there is no arguing with death.

That afternoon 

you drew your last breath,

and then you were on the other side,

where I could not follow.

We, who for 34 years 

had been together through thick and thin,

were no longer together.

I am left here - alone.

Our love daughter 

with her own daddy grief,

is still my rock and support.
Oh, how we loved you,
and how I continue to love you!

Our grandsons are still my pride and joy.
How I love them!

But a large part of this grief is only mine.

You will forever remain 
in this torn apart heart of mine.

You, the love of my life.

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