Under a pepper tree
Liner Notes
This is a reworking of a 2021 lyric I hadn't the heart to put to music. I should, so I'm putting it up now as a prompt to myself (probably won't happen this FAWM), especially after reading https://write.fawm.org/songs/313691 which nailed the #grief associated. #rest #loss I'd better add: the death was in 1977. Some things never can really be cured. You learn to live with it. The old notion of "just get over it" has on-going impact and bad effects. At least nowadays people are more honest. Seeking "closure" isn't quite the right way of putting it, implying that a door can be shut when it can't.
Lyrics
Our firstborn son lies under a pepper tree In a quiet corner Just through the fence The railway line And the interstate station In later years the starting point for family holidays Children and laughter, but two, not three
Our son lies under a pepper tree In a quiet corner lies with other poor waifs in that small quiet corner More than thirty thousand
Most now unregarded or little recorded The stillbirths, the newborn deaths The died in early infancy. Some remembered by their parents Some proclaimed by small memorial Some too long ago for any now living to know.
Our firstborn son lies under a pepper tree in a small quiet corner Nearby the trains roll past And families alight for their holidays
Comments
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Oh, Tim, this touches my heart and reaches in deep. Part of my job many years ago was to examine stillborn babies and babies that died at birth to determine possible etiologies as well as to spend time with the birth parents allowing them to spend time with their baby and to take photos and/or locks of hair if they wanted. Each of those families live in my memory and heart. I’m sorry that you experienced that loss and that you hold the memory in your heart and thoughts.
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This is so touching to read Tim. I understand the hurt never goes away, I have lost 2 brothers in my lifetime but before that mum had lost another at birth, she included him in her prayers every night up until she passed at 97.
I know it will be hard to put to music and it is extremely personal but I would love to hear it when you finally record it.
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So sad to read and so sorry to hear.
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This hurts my heart. It's beautifully written, and I'm sorry for your loss. ❣️
![[FAWM]](/static/img/ukulelecorn.svg)
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This is so heartbreaking. I'm sorry for your loss. Grief is such a strong thing, and I don't understand how people suggest moving on after a passage of time. I lost my brother in the prime of his youth nearly 15 years ago, and not a day goes by when I don't miss him or think of him. People mindlessly say I should just lay his memory to rest, but I know I'll carry him in every breath. I still love talking about him with my siblings, my first thought when some exciting news or new release is at play is 'how much he would love it, enjoy it and I wish he was here'