As we grieve, a thoughtful and thought-provoking poem

After Silas’s and Marie’s deaths April 4 and 15, my daughter Rachel wrote this poem on her birthday. Read all the way to the end.

Eaten

By Rachel Kornfield Becker

In memory of Silas, Marie and all of us who know we are aging – and the beloved community

April 19, 2026

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time 

I fight 

Wishing to eke a little more purpose, a little more meaning

A little more chance to atone for my mistakes

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time

I thrash

Wishing for a younger body 

With less discomfort and 

An easier pathway of care

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time

I flail

Not knowing how long it will take

For it to reach my heart 

How long i still have to tell you goodbye

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time

I panic 

Wishing to know what they’ll say about me someday 

Remembering, unexpectedly

I’m beloved

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time

I remember

That like many before me

In the end I’ll be lauded as an example for my goodness

Instead of reviled for my mistakes

Although a very different story could be told

I’m slowly being eaten? by the monster of time

I reach

Perhaps through acceptance

Can come a measure of peace

Yet it vanishes before me

Through a misty dark tunnel

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster? of time

I look

Closer 

I see warm, honoring eyes

A friend with a hand held out 

Saying, “see, come, this way”

I’m slowly being… eaten? by the monster? of time

I gaze

Again down the tunnel

Seeing peace go before me

Making the path… Visible 

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time?

I notice

Where peace has gone

And that perhaps only through the cold clingy cobwebby mist 

Will I find it’s full fruition 

I’m slowly being eaten by the monster of time

I liberate 

I will make so many mistakes

But in the end they will say

She loved deeply

She lived with passion 

She figured a couple things out 

She kept going

And most of all, “she loved me”

And it will be true

I’m slowly taking the hand of my friend Time 

I clutch

My only pathway 

My solace

My old enemy 

I cling

I hope

I’m slowly accepting the guidance of time

I know to live 

Is to live within its grasp

For all things end

But some things end well