A Thread of Condolence

[TheFifthElement]

For those who are not already aware, I regret to say that Donna, CdnReader, has succumbed to her battle with cancer and passed away earlier today (16th February 2009).

I hope that Lit-net will join us in remembering and celebrating Donna's life. It sad, but it is often at these times that we can truly understand and value that which has been lost. I, for one, always found Donna to be a pleasant, kind-hearted and thoughtful person, with a brave and optimistic outlook on life. I shall miss her poetry, and her generous words.

To Donna's family and friends I say: I join you in your sadness but also celebrate the privilege of having known Donna, even just a little. She enriched my life, as she no doubt did yours.

And I am thinking of you.

For those who would like to acquaint themselves with Donna's poetry please follow the link here: http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38560 this was Donna's last poem on lit-net.

Please post your condolences here.

[Virgil]

:bawling::bawling:Oh that is such sad news. Really sad news. I am very sorry to hear it. Rest in peace, Donna and may you be in a better place.

[Pensive]

It feels so weird... :(
BTW, we had our maternal grandmother's 'barsi' (a sort of occasion on the death-day every year) today as well. I was already feeling a bit gloomy about it, we were quite attached, and now this is making me feel worse. Strange too. :(

[TheFifthElement]

Mods - could you 'sticky' this?

[~Sophia~]

Journey Well Donna


When your heart flew toward Heaven,
time stood still.
It did not interfere.

(Sri Chinmoy)

[downing]

This is heartbreaking! I didn't know...I remember she wrote some positive critisicism to one poem of mine. I am sorry I didn't know her better, but she seemed to be such a thoughtful person.
Donna, God may rest you in peace! I hope you're happy now.
My sincere condolences to her family.

[qimissung]

I knew Donna (CDNReader) largely through writing cinquains and haikus with her in the poetry, games, and contests forum. She was compassionate, sensitive, thoughtful, and all the things that make a person good. So, one last cinquain, CDN, for you.

Feel
the soft
breeze, full of wind's laughter
and smells of fresh cut grasses. Know
I lived.

[andave_ya]

I am so very sorry. She friended me shortly before I'd heard she was ill - but I didn't know how serious it was :(. I had been looking forward to getting to know her better.
Be at peace, Donna.

[manolia]

So sad :(. Rest in peace Donna..and my sincere condolensces to the family.

[Madhuri]

That is a sad news :(

May her soul rest in peace...

[bazarov]

Goodbye, my friend, goodbye.
My dear one, you are in my breast.
A predestined parting Promises a reunion ahead....


http://z.about.com/d/drawsketch/1/0/U/K/candle.jpg

Rest in peace and God bless you and your closest. :(

[PrinceMyshkin]

How did you die, Donna?
How did so much life,
love, wit, aspiration,
avidness to read
and learn and communicate
come to such a screeching halt?

Those crazed, miscued cells
just chewed you up
sinew by ligament by bone
burrowing, tunnelling, attacking
head on. Those crazy fu*kers,
mindless, Godless, with no agenda
other than multiply, destroy and
multiply, they nickle-&-dimed you
out of the life
that at one time had been a veritable
Fort Knox,
a treasury from which you dispensed
love and wisdom to all
who came and asked or
didn’t even ask
but you sensed their need

The only meaning
of this goddamned
so-called “poem”
is that you will never see it

[maraki16]

may your last journey be a good one. may your new world be a better one. may your rest in peace be the best for you. goodbye donna.

[a_little_wisp]

I didn't know her, but by the love felt for her by those around me I can tell that she was a wonderful person.


Let's dance our last,
Sweet August love,
We'll not see winter pass -
We fly to fields of endless spring
Where golden is the grass.

Take to the sky,
Sweet August love,
It's time to say goodbye-
No longer does our Mother's hearth
Burn for you and I.

But marked by wing,
Sweet August love,
Our songs were meant to ring!
Though on a gasp some go to death,
Those who've flown will sing.

[Niamh]

I had no idea! I never befriended Donna, but i have always admired her poetry. I cannot believe that she is gone. My heart is with her family during this time.
Goodnight Donna, and Flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q268/niamhking/nighies%20trip%20to%20Ireland/leilasindublin049.jpg

[mazHur]

I knew CDNreader as a beautiful poetess and a person. She was very sensitive, intelligent and kind. Sometimes we used to exchange haikus and cinquains until one of us was exhausted. I never knew she was unwell until told to me by our mutual friend, Qim. That had made me really saddened but I could never believe that she would quit this world so soon. I will miss her all my life,,,,though I never saw or met her-- through her subtle poetic thoughts and care for friends. She appreciated the good works of her friends and was generous in commenting fairly. She was a lovable personality and her previous avatar wherein she sat like a maiden reading a book
overwhelms my subconscious. CDN is alive ' she will live on ,,,live on eternally now
and smile at her friends from heaven above!
May God bless her soul and rest it in eternal peace.


CDN, I am very sad at your sudden departure on your last journey! May angels take care of you!
Maz

[PrinceMyshkin]

A silence settles back
over the day just past, a day
I spent talking, to everyone within reach,
of my grief over the imminent death
of my friend. I talked
and talked
and everyone was sympathetic

but my grief was not assuaged

and my words and theirs
were swallowed up by the silence
encroaching from later on

[Virgil]

A silence settles back
over the day just past, a day
I spent talking, to everyone within reach,
of my grief over the imminent death
of my friend. I talked
and talked
and everyone was sympathetic

but my grief was not assuaged

and my words and theirs
were swallowed up by the silence
encroaching from later on


That is beautiful Prince. I did not know Donna that well, but I've been thinking of her all day. :(

[PrinceMyshkin]

That is beautiful Prince. I did not know Donna that well, but I've been thinking of her all day. :(

Thanks immensely, Virgil. That poem was indeed prescient. It was prompted by the news that Donna had been moved into a private room, which was ominous. But my need to be in touch with people was if anything heightened today once I received word, at something like 7:30 am, that she had died. More recently I jotted down these lines:



Now, with the loss of your voice
I seek out a hundred other voices
to equal your sweetness,
your quiet strength,
your almost religious faith
in reason...


I hope those last two lines don't give offense to your own faith.

Jer

[andave_ya]

I have been thinking of Donna all day...

[Virgil]

Thanks immensely, Virgil. That poem was indeed prescient. It was prompted by the news that Donna had been moved into a private room, which was ominous. But my need to be in touch with people was if anything heightened today once I received word, at something like 7:30 am, that she had died. More recently I jotted down these lines:



Now, with the loss of your voice
I seek out a hundred other voices
to equal your sweetness,
your quiet strength,
your almost religious faith
in reason...


I hope those last two lines don't give offense to your own faith.

Jer
No, not all.

[jon1jt]

I saw her around. She came across to me as being very passionate about her writing, her studies, and love of books. I'm very sad to hear this.

RIP, CDNReader

[eyemaker]

sad really :(
May her soul rest in peace. It's a bit awkward knowing a LN member died.. I will miss this lovely poetess. :(

[amanda_isabel]

wow.
I wasn't expecting this.
and I was just thinking of her poems...
:(
I hope she went peacefully.
Condolences

[amalia1985]

My condolences for a great woman, a great heart.

[subterranean]

Like perhaps many of you, I don't know Donna and I never read one of her posts until today. Yet I feel deep sympathy for her. Heaven console her family as she is now in peace.

Thinking of this further, I somewhat feel amazed with all this virtual world phenomenon (if I could call it that way). There are only a few of people whom I know a little bit more, and so fortunate to have met 3 of them in person, compare to the bigger bunch. Yet when it comes to sad and happy news, seems I can relate myself and share the feelings, even with those I never interact.

[johann cruyff]

Very sad news... Rest in peace, Donna.

[SleepyWitch]

oh no, this is really sad news. I don't know what to say.

[kiz_paws]

RIP dear Donna.

CdnReader was always upbeat and had a cheerful word for everyone she met. She was very talented and she shall be missed so very much. To Donna's family, I offer my most humble condolences, this was such sad news indeed. :(

Donna, you will live on here through your beautiful poetry. Thank you for the opportunity to have met you.

Fifth, I just wanted to say thanks so much for letting us know. I knew that she was ill, but I had no idea that it was terminal. :(

[PrinceMyshkin]

I've been asked by Donna's sister to send a poem of Donna's that might be included in the programme for the funeral. As it happens I was already in process of compiling many poems from the site where I came to know her. It already runs to over 20 pages, too long to include in a PM but if any of you would like a copy of it, PM me with your email address and I will send it to you when I've completed it.

[Scheherazade]

One of those occassions that one knows, without a doubt, that no words will sufficient.

Maybe she rest in peace (and thanks for letting us know Fifth).

[Niamh]

I've been asked by Donna's sister to send a poem of Donna's that might be included in the programme for the funeral. As it happens I was already in process of compiling many poems from the site where I came to know her. It already runs to over 20 pages, too long to include in a PM but if any of you would like a copy of it, PM me with your email address and I will send it to you when I've completed it.

That is very touching.

[motherhubbard]

It's a sad passing.

[Riesa]

I never saw anything but life in you, cdn. you made me laugh and think, what else matters? condolences to friends and family.

[formality hater]

May your soul rest in peace.

[mazHur]

I've been asked by Donna's sister to send a poem of Donna's that might be included in the programme for the funeral. As it happens I was already in process of compiling many poems from the site where I came to know her. It already runs to over 20 pages, too long to include in a PM but if any of you would like a copy of it, PM me with your email address and I will send it to you when I've completed it.

I would be interested in receiving the compilation of her poems. Kindly post me as soon as it is done.

Your endeavour in this regard is a great homage of a good friend to another friend passing away.
God Bless us All
Maz

[PrinceMyshkin]

I would be interested in receiving the compilation of her poems. Kindly post me as soon as it is done.

Your endeavour in this regard is a great homage of a good friend to another friend passing away.
God Bless us All
Maz

I have completed it. Not EVERY one of her poems but 20+ pages of them. If you PM me with your email address, please indicate the format you'd prefer for the attachment.

[mazHur]

I have completed it. Not EVERY one of her poems but 20+ pages of them. If you PM me with your email address, please indicate the format you'd prefer for the attachment.

thank you, Prince.
My email is [email protected]

best wishes
Maz

[PrinceMyshkin]

You may talk with hundreds
and still feel unheard,
unassuaged, or

you can talk with one
and feel as if hundreds
have been listening attentively
storming love your way

[vheissu]

This is very sad.
May she rest in peace.

[ampoule]

I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing. She gave us so much of herself. I always felt she was so celestial, in tuned, if you will, to the moon and the stars and all that is out there. You really are 'dancing with the stars'! My sympathies to your family and friends.

[Pendragon]

I could never write an eulogy
Worthy of one who touched so many
With her quiet poetry

Requescant in Pace Amen. ...

[PrinceMyshkin]

Somewhere, deep inside your body,
those killer cells conspired
to bring you down: “Where
should we begin?” ”The hypothalmus!”
“The liver!” “The lungs!”

But you didn’t
or couldn’t or wouldn’t hear them
but even if you could
I know in spite of it all, you
would have chosen to be good.

And it wasn’t as if
you really knew
of any other choice...

[mazHur]

Somewhere, deep inside your body,
those killer cells conspired
to bring you down: “Where
should we begin?” ”The hypothalmus!”
“The liver!” “The lungs!”

But you didn’t
or couldn’t or wouldn’t hear them
but even if you could
I know in spite of it all, you
would have chosen to be good.

And it wasn’t as if
you really knew
of any other choice...




a great tribute to Donna!
Long Live Donna!

[PrinceMyshkin]

Sometimes, a poem is not enough.
Breakfast, lunch, supper
are not enough.
Deeply treasured contacts
with good and loving friends
are not altogether good enough,

but one last post-mortem
conversation with you
would be enough

to last until I longed
for just one more

[PrinceMyshkin]

Five minutes have gone by
and I have not spoken with anyone
and soon those five minutes
will be six, or twenty...

Donna? Donna...”

Where are you?

[mazHur]

Each time I begin to think
of writing on the litnet
someone knocks at the door
of my musing mind
as I open the door
of my thoughts
i see an angel there
smiling at me
and bidding me Hello!
As i bid her Hi in return
and welcome her
she disappears
only to come again and again
to see me
me her friend
in my memories
disguised as a pretty angel
all well in the clime of eternity
wishing me and all her friends
all the best
and happy be all
peace be with all
for their love and remembrance
she's none other than Donna!

[PrinceMyshkin]

Each time I begin to think
of writing on the litnet
someone knocks at the door
of my musing mind
as I open the door
of my thoughts
i see an angel there
smiling at me
and bidding me Hello!
As i bid her Hi in return
and welcome her
she disappears
only to come again and again
to see me
me her friend
in my memories
disguised as a pretty angel
all well in the clime of eternity
wishing me and all her friends
all the best
and happy be all
peace be with all
for their love and remembrance
she's none other than Donna!


My God, Mazhur, how beautiful this is! How deeply felt and beautifully expressed. What I would give to believe that Donna is reading this! I'm going to send it to her sister, if you don't mind?

[mazHur]

My God, Mazhur, how beautiful this is! How deeply felt and beautifully expressed. What I would give to believe that Donna is reading this! I'm going to send it to her sister, if you don't mind?

Hello Prince!

thanks
She was my friend and honestly speaking I cannot seem to forget her. Her charming litnet avatar wherein a girl was shown sitting on a bench reading a book roams before my eyes whenever the thought of litnet comes to my mind and i find Donna as if she was still there!
May her soul rest in peace!
Please forward the eulogy to her sister
mazhar

[PrinceMyshkin]

Hello Prince!

thanks
She was my friend and honestly speaking I cannot seem to forget her. Her charming litnet avatar wherein a girl was shown sitting on a bench reading a book roams before my eyes whenever the thought of litnet comes to my mind and i find Donna as if she was still there!
May her soul rest in peace!
Please forward the eulogy to her sister
mazhar

Thank you, I've just done so & if she responds I will forward her response to you.

Jer

[mazHur]

thank you so very much, Jerry.

[optimisticnad]

Unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting Donna. I'm sorry for all your loss. She's probably trying very hard to get her wireless connected and get a line down from heaven!

[mazHur]

Be Optimistic
Never Lose Hope
Souls Are Souls
If They Go Up
They Can Come Down As Well
Speedier Than Lightning
And Pull The Ears Of
Naughty Ones!

[Janine]

I don't think I ever really meet Donna formally, but I did find her in my friend's list, so we must have crossed paths sometime ago. I don't exactly recall where we meet up, but I think it may have been in the Haiku thread. I am sure she was a wonderful person, the way all are speaking of her today. I too believe her spirit lives on and no one on this wonderful site and in this community truly will ever die for me. I know shines in her fine poetry and I hope that this site will preserve that poetry for all of us to continue to enjoy and to further understand the fine woman behind her eternal words.

To Donna's family, I extend my most heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. Know that your loved one has been loved and appreciated on this site by many, too. Please feel consoled in the fact, that we all know she is in a better place today.

[mazHur]

http://www.thebushiad.com/littlebear/images/overwhelming.jpg

[Eugenie]

I did not know this dear person, but from your comments and sentiments, I feel as one who comes along after a queen has departed the space, and can still catch her rich and one of a kind scent in the warm air. I am very sorry.

[RoCKiTcZa]

Condolences my friend. Though I was never able to see you in action in this forum, I am deeply saddened about your passing though I know you are somewhere else right now, smiling upon us. That last poem of yours had so much meaning; it's stuck onto my soul and I shall take it wherever I go. I will always remember you as if you were one I had known in person, and your mysterious memory (now a mystery no longer) shall serve as one of my inspirations as I go on living this life that is ultimately filled with struggles designed to eternally test each human being's conscience. Your struggle has been extraordinary. You are and will continue to be a good example to many. :)

[PrinceMyshkin]

How quiet you are!
It seems as if
every day you grow more silent
as if you were delving
into layers of unspeech
previously unknown
to the truculent,
the deeply hurt or the profoundly deaf.

[Kafka's Crow]

St Louis, MO. 14th of September, 2001

How someone else's death brings back
The memories of a sad autumn day,
The world enshrouded in sorrow
A world breaking in pieces
And the battle-drums booming afar.
The atrophied hands, curled up fingers,
Toes twitching, trying to hold on
Hold on to that which was being taken away.
The noise of breathing that could deafen all life,
The last calling out of a loved-one's name
My name,
The last gentle squeezing of a hand,
Not mine.
The sigh that rose and announced the death,
A sigh that said, 'we live' when he was gone,
A sigh that took over
'The private room.'

How we relive our own sorrow
In someone else's demise
In someone else death, we relive our own
Which began with the death
Of a loved one
And will go on till our last
Noisy breath is done,
Till the last darlings are called,
Till the last faint squeezing of a hand is felt.
We continue to die
And 'relive' that death in every death
With which was started our own slow decay.

Rest in peace Donna. I didn't know you but your death has brought back so many bitter memories.