My father and I had a complex relationshio--like all close rleationships. Each of us bore wounds but in the end those wounds became channels of deepening connection. We were able to say goodbye with nothing left unresolved--a great gift. This is my wish for my father--complete healing and peace.
 
I WISH YOU PEACE (for my father)

My love could not heal you
for you could not love yourself.
I couldn't save you from your darkness--
I could barely save myself.
But you know I always loved you
and I know you loved me to
so as I stand here at your grave
what more can I do?
In the end, in the end I can wish you peace.

What you have done and left undone 
will all been washed away
by the tides of love that carry you
into that vast and shining bay
where the harbor lights they welcome you
you are finally home at last
in the land where love heals
the present, the future and the past.
In the end, in the end, I wish you peace.

Peace for all your anger,
peace all you joy.
Peace for what your life built up
and what your life destroyed.
Peace for all your loneliness,
peace for all your love.
In the end, in the end I wish you peace.

And now we lay you in your grave
in this red Ozark dirt
with your face to the rising sun
free from despair and hurt.
May all your wounds at last be healed 
your regrets and sorrows cease.
May the weight be lifted from your heart,
may you find complete release.
In the end, in the end I wish you peace.

Peace for all your your longings,
peace for all your fears,
peace for all your laughter
peace for all your tears.
Peace for the life you didn't live
and peace for the life you did.
In the end, in the end I wish you peace.

Phillip Bennett, lyrics and music, copyright 2013.