“Timber” November 13, 1964 - March 4, 2006
Scriptures Psalm 121: 1-8
A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 1
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
3
The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 5
7
The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; 7a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Published in the Albuquerque Journal and Ruidoso News
TRAVIS – Gayle Ann, 41, native of Ruidoso and resident of Albuquerque, passed away early Saturday morning, March 4, 2006. Born on November 13, 1964, Gayle is survived by her father, David Hail Travis of Ruidoso, and her sister, Susan Lee Travis of Albuquerque. She is preceded in death by her mother, Winnifred Katharine Stryker Travis. Gayle’s grandparents were Texas artists Olin Herman Travis and Kathryne Hail Travis. Gayle held a BA in English Literature from UNM and a Master of Library Science from TWU. For the past five years, she served the community of Albuquerque as children’s librarian at the Lomas Tramway Public Library. Gayle authored the 1995 Texas Reading Club Manual, Once Upon a Planet, and was contributor to the same series in the 2001 To the Library and Beyond. She most recently contributed the New Mexico segment of Quilt the States: Piecing Together America, published by National Geographic. Gayle served on the Texas Library Association board of directors while living in McKinney, TX. An accomplished children’s entertainer and story weaver, “Miss Gayle” often presented workshops on creative dramatics and improvisational games for children. For some time she performed with the Dallas-based improvisational comedy troupe, Virtual Insanity. She was an avid ice skating fan and counted among her experiences, white water rafting and hot air ballooning. Gayle is remembered for her brilliant smile and zany sense of humor which touched the hearts and imaginations of both children and adults. Nicknamed “Timber,” she worked as camp counselor and riding director for several years before becoming Camp Director for Camp Mary White in Mayhill, NM from 1990-1992. Her commitment to the well-being of both campers and counselors led to many rich and deeply treasured friendships. Friends and family alike are inspired by the dignity and courage with which she faced the debilitating combination of Lupus and lung cancer. We will forever cherish this brave beautiful woman who so lovingly and humorously graced our lives. You live in our hearts, Gaylie-bird! Albuquerque celebration of life services will be held Saturday, March 18 at 11:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas, Albuquerque. Ruidoso interment services will be held at First Christian Church memorial garden, Hull Road, on Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. Please wear blue to both services. Memorial contributions in Gayle’s name may be made to one of the following organizations: Christopher Reeve Foundation (Stem Cell Research) 636 Morris Turnpike, Ste 3A, Short Hill, NJ 07078; Lomas Tramway Library, 908 Eastridge NE 87123 or Friends of Camp Mary White, Inc., PO Box 525, Amarillo, TX 79105.
Albuquerque Service Saturday, March 18—Celebration of Life Memorial Service French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas, Albuquerque, NM
Call to Worship .......................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith Prayer ........................................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith
“Lord of the Dance” ...............................................................All Join in Singing Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8................................................................. Imelda DeLaRue Psalms 121: 1-8...................................................Ruth Ann Dolde Thompson
“Wind Beneath My Wings” The Lord’s Prayer, (Aramaic to English translation) ................... Susan Travis Eulogy “Blue” .................................................................................. Jim Thomas “High Flight” ................................................................................... Jim Thomas As You Like It, (II, vii. 139-142) ......................................... Raymona McAdams Macbeth (V. v. 24-28) ........................................................ Raymona McAdams “Friend”................................................................................. David Hail Travis Pastoral Meditation .................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith “Changes” .......................................................... Friends of Camp Mary White “Roots Going Down” .................................................................... Paula Homer “My Prayer” .......................................................................... Lee Anne Olgetree Sharing of Memories “the Travis Sisters” ........................................................................ Susan Travis “Impressions & Remembrances” ..................................................... Jim Thomas Lomas Tramway Homeschool Group Others at will Prayer .......................................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith Slide Show in Tribute “Desiderata” ................................................................................ Bernadette Self “Linger”............................................................... Friends of Camp Mary White Benediction .................................................................................. Rev. Jim Smith
Ruidoso Service Sunday, March 19—Interment Service First Christian Church, Hull Road, Ruidoso, NM
Call to Worship ......................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith Prayer ........................................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith
“Amazing Grace” .................................................................. All Join in Singing Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 .................................................................. Kathryn Josslyn Psalms 121: 1-8.................................................................. Patience Patterson
“Softly and Tenderly” ................................................... Solo by Maria Bowman The Lord’s Prayer, (Aramaic to English translation) .................. Susan Travis Eulogy “Singing Gayle” ................................................................ Susan Travis As You Like It, (II, vii. 139-142) ......................................... Raymona McAdams Macbeth (V. v. 24-3\28) ..................................................... Raymona McAdams Pastoral Meditation .................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith “Crowded Planet”................................................................. David Hail Travis “Changes” .......................................................... Friends of Camp Mary White “Consider the Swallow” ................................................................ Mary Ballard “Friend””....................................................................................... Pamela Knopp Sharing of Memories Prayer .......................................................................................... Rev. Jim Smith “Desiderata”................................................................................ Bernadette Self “Linger” .............................................................. Friends of Camp Mary White Interment Benediction .................................................................................. Rev. Jim Smith
Hymns Lord of the Dance I danced in the morning when the world was begun, And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun, And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth, At Bethlehem I had my birth. Refrain Dance, then, wherever you may be; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he. I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee, But they would not dance and they would not follow me; I danced for the fishermen, for James and John; They came to me and the dance went on. Refrain I danced on the sabbath when I cured the lame, The holy people said it was a shame; They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high; And they left me there on a cross to die. Refrain I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black; It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back; They buried my body and they thought I’d gone, But I am the dance and I still go on. Refrain They cut me down and I leapt up high, I am the life that’ll never, never die; I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me; I am the Lord of the Dance, said he. Refrain
Hymns Amazing Grace Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.
Eulogy Tribute Gayle’s former professor and beloved friend, Jim Thomas, wrote the following eulogy tributes to Gayle.
Impressions & Remembrances By Jim Thomas -red hair…red hair…red hair -tall, willowy and some what fragile -expressive hands, expressive arms, expressive face, expressive body -when she talked, she talked all over -a ready, bigger than life smile, or a concerned, meaningful frown -a real…engaging laugh -a loyal, defensive friend -a person who said what she thought; one you never had to guess where she stood on the fence -better than nice but not uncomfortably so -always there, but not too close -someone to remember with true fondness, pleased that she gave you the opportunity to know her -I will miss her and she will miss me -but this is not the end…only the middle; -again…we will meet again
Eulogy Tribute Blue
By Jim Thomas a color, a mood, even a uniform blueberry, blue bird, blue grass, blue ribbon blue sky, blue-eyed daisy or a blue sapphire why blue? some of your might already know without knowing you know indigo, teal, aqua, light blue, sky blue, turquoise, pale blue we were chosen as one of her variations of blue: some became her sky, some her blue-eyed daisy, some her blue ribbon or some a blue hot air balloon Gayle shared her life with us in magnificent blue in blue she saw her world as beautiful and she became the same she was all shades: indigo, teal, aqua, light blue, sky blue, turquoise, and pale blue her lesson for us: pick a color and see all shades of that color in those loved and cherished… and be that color and all the variations as you live this life… remember blue and the variation you were to Gayle AND, because Gayle and I shared a profession as well as a friendship together, in closing I believe she would want me to share this verse with you: You put your whole self in, You put your whole self out, You put your whole self in, And shake it all about. You do the hokey, pokey, And turn yourself around: That’s what life is all about!
Eulogy Tribute
Singing Gayle By Susan Travis If a tree falls without witness, does it make a sound? It’s an old debate, which some may argue with great energy, while others shrug apathetically …yet, I submit to you that that we who have gathered here, know the answer today. My sister, Gayle, was known by most of her friends as “Timber,” and Timber has fallen in the forest. She’s fallen with such a mighty crash that it shakes our foundation. It breaks our hearts, and rattles our very souls. Yet, our experiences stem not as much from witnessing the fall, as it is born of having witnessed her life. We feel a new emptiness, echoing with Gayle’s life and laugh – echoes that emerge in our own smiles as we remember her crazy antics – her gentle spirit. This week, we’ve laughed and cried our memories – sharing stories of her famous charade game… her topless hiking… the poker games, and the one-legged Mexican. We remember the time she sold her blood to visit Vegas and hear Pavaratti. We’ve been gentled as we remember her comfort and commitment to children, and of the ways she carried the wound of one small child as a permanent wound to her own soul. She loved her friends, her family, her cantankerous cat, tall glasses of ice cold milk, the color blue, and laughter. We remember, because we witnessed and were a part of her story.
Eulogy Tribute
Each of us hears the echo differently, and memories and recollections resound among us, until at last, as we stand together here, WE create a vibrant sacred song that is the essence of Timber’s touch to our hearts. Our memories become her song, rich with harmony, melody, and colors. Hear your own memories as part of her song, vital to what made her life grand and beautiful. It’s a joyful song, haunting, filled with laughter, and we thank each of you for your part... in singing Gayle. We miss you, Gaylie-Bird!
Sisters
Susan and Gayle: Written by Susan, Christmas 2005 gift to Gayle, insert to Sisters book
Sisters
At Gayle’s Request Reaching Beyond by Suzy Sutton
Do you reach beyond to touch the sky, Or lag behind, afraid to try? Do you reach beyond to learn anew, Or hesitate—the same old you? Do you reach beyond to test your limit, Or do you tell yourself, “I’m timid?” Do you reach beyond to lead the pack, Or do you waste time, looking back? Do you reach beyond and strive to find better ways to stretch your mind? Do you reach beyond to care and share and help some others do and dare? Do you reach beyond, expect the best, Or have you given up the quest? Do you reach beyond and claim your space, Here and now, this time, this place? Do you reach beyond and try to soar, Or, sadly, play it safe once more?
God’s Garden Author Unknown
God looked around His garden and He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and your tired face. He put His arms around you, and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew you were suffering; He knew you were in pain; He knew that you would never get well on earth again. So He closed your weary eyelids, and whispered, “Peace be Thine,” He took you up to heaven, with hands so gentle and kind. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
At Gayle’s Request
by Mary Frye, 1932
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. (Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!
At Gayle’s Request
High Flight
John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -Wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark or even eagle flew -And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Gayle’s Favorites
Gayle’s Favorites
The Lord’s Prayer
A Translation of "Our Father" directly from Aramaic into English
O cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration. Soften the ground of our being and carve out a space within us where your Presence can abide. Fill us with your creativity so that we may be empowered to bear the fruit of your mission. Let each of our actions bear fruit in accordance with our desire. Endow us with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish. Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind us, as we release others from the entanglement of past mistakes. Do not let us be seduced by that which would divert us from our true purpose, but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment. For you are the ground and the fruitful vision, the birth, power and fulfillment, as all is gathered and made whole once again.
Gayle’s Favorites
Footnote to All Prayers (from Gayle’s mantle) by C.S. Lewis
He whom I bow to only knows to whom I bow When I attempt the ineffable Name, murmuring Thou, And dream of Pheidian fancies and embrace in heart Symbols (I know) which cannot be the thing Thou art. Thus always, taken at their word, all prayers blaspheme Worshiping with frail images a folk-lore dream, And all men in their praying, self-deceived, address The coinage of their own unquiet thoughts, unless Thou in magnetic mercy to Thyself divert Our arrows, aimed unskillfully, beyond desert; And all men are idolaters, crying unheard To a deaf idol, if Thou take them at their word. Take not, O Lord, our literal sense. Lord, in thy great Unbroken speech our limping metaphor translate.
Gayle’s Favorites Macbeth
Act V. scene v., lines 24-28
Out, out, brief candle, Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury ... Signifying nothing.
As You Like It
Act II, scene vii, 139-142
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts‌
Timber’s Favorites Changes By Phil Ochs
Sit by my side, come as close as the air, Share in a memory of gray; And wander in my words, dream about the pictures That I play of changes. Green leaves of summer turn red in the fall To brown and to yellow they fade. And then they have to die, trapped within the circle time parade of changes. Scenes of my young years were warm in my mind, Visions of shadows that shine. 'Til one day I returned and found they were the Victims of the vines of changes. The world's spinning madly, it drifts in the dark Swings through a hollow of haze, A race around the stars, a journey through The universe ablaze with changes. Moments of magic will glow in the night All fears of the forest are gone But when the morning breaks they're swept away by Golden drops of dawn, of changes. Passions will part to a strange melody. As fires will sometimes burn cold. Like petals in the wind, we're puppets to the silver strings of souls, of changes. Your tears will be trembling, now we're somewhere else, One last cup of wine we will pour And I'll kiss you one more time, and leave you on the rolling river shores of changes (repeat first verse)
Timber’s Tattoo Gayle thought long and hard about getting this tattoo which she designed herself with the following explanation of its symbolism:
Rose
The Rose of Sharon Mary’s Suffering Symbol of love and death Used to treat headaches & hysteria Red as the blood of Christ shed for me Christ (the rose) must be at the center of our beauty Good and bad go together Beauty; Inside the circle—inner beauty “By any other name” represents personal uniqueness
Crown of Thorns
Christ at the center Thorn draws the blood of the innocent Godless people are like thorns that are thrown away—cannot be handled Seven thorns—seven deadly sins Leaves represent growth and life. Leaves underneath show continual growth Leaves – “leaf me alone” Symbol of life and growth Eastern symbolism – common purpose 9 symbol of completion 4 on inside symbol of foundation and stability Circle also restricts who I am. Thorns point inward and force me to go through them to be free. Thorn in someone’s side. It has been a thorny path to get to where I am. The thorns are the enemies that surround me, the leaves are the friends; one can destroy me, the other keeps me strong and gives me life. If you follow the thorny path you will never get anywhere because it is a circle. The circle of thorns surrounds me to protect me; sometimes you have to dig deep to get to the real me. You have to look inside to see the strength and beauty and get off the path (which is easier to follow)
Timber
Roots going down, reaching through damp earth deep. Down, down, holding me here. Open your eyes and look at the trunk of a large tree ... My great round trunk, massive and slender, solid yet yielding, carrier of life. My long limbs stretching out for space, lips tickled by the wind, touched by the sun. They invite all life to shelter among them, beneath them, inside me, beneath me. Life runs through me. I invite all life to me. Roots anchored deep. limbs lofty high, I abide in both worlds of earth and sky.
Joseph Cornell (from a camp acclimatization exercise)
Lists These lists were compiled during the last weeks of Gayle’s life— little known tidbits….
Scariest Animals cockroaches, tazmanian devils, alligators, crocodiles, & fish
People Whose Trust Was Particularly Empowering Dub Williams, Margie Andrus, Jay Graves, Paula Homer, Dee Dee Rogers, Jim Thomas, Bernadette Self, & Pam Wallace
Acts of Overwhelming Generosity Received Poet’s gift of the blue guitar. Robin’s invitation to participate in the international Montage event. Working with Terry Parsons. The collections gathered by APL Youth Services.
Accomplishments Deserving Celebration Jim’s closing farewell, CMW Ride Out & Camp Directorship Masters degree, choosing PE teams by underdogs first
Questions for God explain pain, pedophiles, sadism will there be TCBY peach/vanilla yoghurt in heaven? WHY?
Greatest Personal Changes less sensitive, more open-minded, less angry, less independent, reconciliation with family, better communication, less self-critical, increased confidence
Risks Not Taken ice skating, basketball, the luge, write a book, be a star, Mayo Clinic
Trustworthy Presidents Carter, Lincoln … Zachary Taylor
Clippings Allen Image November/December 2000
Clippings
Clippings
Clippings
Clippings
Only Timber could achieve such a cozy pose with “Psycho” formerly named “Cat.” Few survived unscathed from an encounter with this terrible beast...most merely shrunk in fear.
Gayle’s Writings Perfection A shadowing vision of the perfect Glimpsed through a moment’s Realization of something else, Captured not through striving or thriving, But through the brief life of a single man. Faded vision of long ago Is made real through words of grace. So infinitely different that no one Can comprehend Or even strive to achieve. 10/18/89
Friend I call you friend not because We are so much alike. But because we are so different, Yet still shadows of the same. I see in you a mark of triumph A dying dream made real. Doubts and fears of human kind Drawn out by a loving But frightened human hand. Run not, for your dream Your love, Your friendship, Your life, Has made me proud. 6/89
Crowded planet, loving God Limitless faces Reflecting your image. A single face A single life A single tear A single song Touches upon your greatness. May we look into Each face Each Life Each tear Each song And somehow see A fraction of your image 12/26/90
Gayle’s Writings Caterpillar and the Tadpole by Gayle A. Travis
Once there was a caterpillar that lived near a small pond. To the caterpillar the pond was a great and magnificent world. The weeds and grass were like tall trees; the lily pad was like a far-off island; each twig was a great ladder to climb to the top of the world. Caterpillar was very happy in his home around the pond. Caterpillar’s best friend was a tadpole who lived in the pond. When Caterpillar would visit Tadpole each day he would climb slowly onto one of the bushes close to the pond. One branch leaned far over the water. As Caterpillar would crawl to the very end, the branch would bend and sway slightly with the Caterpillar’s weight. He and Tadpole would talk for hours like this and just for fun, Caterpillar would loosen his grip on the branch slightly, swinging his body back and forth upside down under the branch. “What great fun!” Tadpole and Caterpillar would laugh and giggle. Then Caterpillar would work his way upright to sit once more on the top of the branch. Tadpole loved to play games in the pond. He would race in circles around the plants in the pond. He would hide behind rocks the scurry from behind them to surprise Caterpillar. The two friends would often talk and play for hours. One day Caterpillar approached the pond very slowly as if he carried a great burden. He climbed out on his favorite branch and called, “Tadpole, oh Tadpole, where are you?” “What is wrong my friend?” Tadpole asked, noticing Caterpillar’s sad face. “I have heard some bad news and I am very upset,” replied Caterpillar. “I have learned that I will not always be a caterpillar!” With this Caterpillar began to cry giant caterpillar tears. Tadpole was silent for a moment because he knew something that Caterpillar did not know. “Not a caterpillar? Then what will you be?” asked Tadpole. “I will turn into a butterfly!” wept Caterpillar. “I must weave this odd looking house around me. Then I sleep for a while and after a few weeks I will become a butterfly!” “That doesn’t sound so bad,” said Tadpole “Butterflies are beautiful! And you can still come and visit me and….” “But I don’t want to be a butterfly; I like being a caterpillar! I don’t want to fly around. I like crawling; I can take my time. There is so much air up there!” He looked up at the sky and cried. Caterpillar cried giant caterpillar tears. Each tear fell into the pond with a “plop” and a ring of water rippled out, circling each drop. Tadpole did not know how to help his friend. “As a butterfly you can explore the world as you never have before.” “I like the pond and the things around here. I have enough world to explore here.” Caterpillar cried, “I don’t like great heights. I am afraid of falling from the sky. Or I might get lost in the great open space of air and not be able to find my way back home.” Tadpole sighed and noticed Caterpillar had not once swung his body upside down from the branch. Tadpole tried to talk to his friend, but Caterpillar just continued to cry. Watching each giant caterpillar tear fall into the pond, Tadpole soon saw an opportunity for a game that might cheer up his friend. He darted to and fro, and as each
Gayle’s Writings tear would hit the water, he would dive under the water and swim to where the teardrop fell. Leaping into the air, he would then pop up in the center of the growing ring of ripples. Caterpillar soon realized what his friend was doing and laughed with a tiny caterpillar giggle. He continued to cry but began to shake his head so his tears would scatter like seeds in the wind, flying in every direction creating a challenge for Tadpole. The game eventually ended when there were no more tears and both were laughing with joy. “I don’t know much about being a butterfly,” said Tadpole, “but you are a good friend as a caterpillar, and you will be great at whatever you become.” Caterpillar nodded, loosened his grip on the branch, and swung upside down. “I expect this will be the last time I will see you like this.” Then he worked his way back up to the top of the branch. Tadpole knew his friend’s words meant more than Caterpillar could imagine. He nodded and whispered, “I think you are right.” He darted off under a lily pad, glad Caterpillar had not noticed the two legs growing behind him. Tadpole could only play the teardrop game now because he needed to spend less and less time in the water. He could breathe air. He was becoming a frog. The days went by slowly and Tadpole watched himself change into a strong shiny frog. Waiting eagerly for his friend to return, he hid on the edge of the pond near their favorite bush each day. One day a beautiful butterfly landed on the branch that hung out over the pond. The butterfly called, “Tadpole, oh Tadpole, where are you?” When Tadpole did not appear in the water, giant butterfly tears began to swell up in Butterfly’s eyes. Frog knew he had to show himself and reveal his own change. “Here I am.” Frog said, quickly hopping away from the branch so he could see Butterfly. “Here I am.” Puzzled, Butterfly looked at him carefully. “Who are you? I am looking for my friend, the tadpole.” “That’s me,” said Frog. “I have also changed. I have changed from a tadpole to a frog. I was afraid to tell you. You seemed to dread your own change so much I could not bear to tell you my secret.” “But you are beautiful!” Butterfly exclaimed. “So are you,” replied Frog. Soon they began to talk again like old friends. Butterfly told of his travels above the pond. Butterfly could now see the world in a way he never could before. He told of the beauty of soaring through the sky, and the joy of softly landing on the petal of a flower. “I was so afraid of what I imagined as a caterpillar, that I never imagined how great things could be no matter what I was,” said Butterfly. Frog told Butterfly how his life had changed too. Because of his strong legs, his world was not limited to the small pond either. Butterfly sat on the very edge of the branch that hung out over the pond and listened. They laughed with joy, and then suddenly Butterfly let go of the branch gently. He swung down below the branch upside with his wings hanging toward the ground. Together they laughed and thought of the day when they believed such play was done. Now they could explore the area around the pond together. Butterfly would fly over the land as Frog hopped below. Each shared what the other could not see. As always, Frog found many new games to play.
Gayle’s Writings What happens when reality is shattered? What happens when you find out That paradise is really hell? Is there really a tomorrow If there was no yesterday? Is the life that we create From images and dreams Really something to hang on to? Or is it as fleeting as the scream That fades with the dying dream? 4/30/93
Shadows of a reality I do not understand Standing in your presence; cradled in your hand Rainbow spectrum of who you’ve always been. Searching for the color to protect me from my sin Shining new reality, I dare not turn to see Fearful of the demon I may find in me. 3/14/88
When I was but a child I called you “Christ” And accepted you Like a pair of knitted mittens, Suddenly I became a man And called you “Father” Disciplined by a firm but loving hand One day we rode together As the mist descended On a new created land. I turned my head And dared to call you “Friend.” Today I stand before you Soon to fall upon my knees, Bow my head, And call you “Lord” and “Master.” 3/23/90
Gayle’s Writings Poetry mocks the meaning Of the pain within my heart It cannot tell the truth It cannot dry the tears Fearful battle fought through ever dying verse. Pretending it can heal all wounds, As it tears at the bleeding in my soul Fruitless poetry – forgive me for my bitterness And listen to my grief. 6/92
Worlds Apart You come from a different world Why, If I can see that secret world Can you not take the time To try and see the world From which I come? It is one world – Separated by time and fear. One world – yet worlds apart. With trembling voice I dare To share a part of mine. Without a thought, You turn away And my voice is lost In time and fear. Be careful, for someday It is I who will turn away When your voice is lifted up I will not know who speaks. Be careful – It is only in time and fear That two worlds collide. 5/31/88
The last time my footsteps fell Between your canyon walls The faces of the memories The voices of the past Echoed in my tears And forced the pain within. I could not say farewell To the legends in my heart; I could not grant the last tear And give in to demon’s fear. I tried to whisper promises But realized the time had come Not to say Goodbye, Nor promise love’s return, But to simply whisper That I am sorry, And turn and walk away.
8/24/93
Gayle’s Writings Heavenly Decree The Lord has passed down a decree That you should be my friend But I say, “Why take the risk, Why dare to love this way.” The Lord has passed down a decree That you should hold my hand Yet the two shall never touch As we learn to love this way. The Lord has passed down a decree That I should call you “Friend,” That I should take the risk; That I should learn to love this way. The Lord has passed down a decree That we should touch without touching And risk without risking And love without loving. 1/31/91
“Consider the swallow” He said from the field. “Consider the lilies” He said from a far. But when God in all his glory Clothed and fed creation’s breath Did he consider the solitary flight That one bird strives to make his own. Or the silence of the bloom that fades beneath the sun. 4/19/93
Gayle’s Writings No One There Old Mary walks down the crowded street, Talking to her silent daughter Who died too young. She shouts her secrets and whispers promises But there is no one there. Some glance at her then turn away And try so hard to pretend That there is no one there. The small child crawls down the lonely tracks Collecting treasures to take home Where anger lives. He cries as he tells of hopes and dreams But there is no one there. Sometimes he has questions of joys to share With those who chose his life but wish That there was no one there. Pretty lady reaches out across the bed at night Searching for a hand to hold And the love to come. Wrinkled sheets stained with forgotten love But there is no one there. Brave man cries into empty space Trying to remember That there is no one there. Weeping women walk down a rocky path In an attempt to pay tribute To the innocent. They come to the place where dead men lie But there is no one there. He stands ready behind the open door Listening for prayer but so afraid That there is no one there.
7/6/93
Gayle’s Writings There seems to be so little time for weeping When I care too much to say How deeply your pain has touched me How deeply your tears betray. There seems to be so little time for praying When I care too much to cry How fearfully I have touched you How fearfully I passed you by. There seems to be so little time for talking When my heart cries out in fear How carefully I have prayed for you How carefully I have dried your tears.
There seems to be so little time for loving When tomorrow we will find Forgotten tears, forgotten prayers Forgotten lovers who hide themselves in time. 3/12/91
The future lies before me Like a panoramic view Memories of what is past Brighten all that is new Maybe this, Maybe that, Maybe here, Maybe there Maybe just patiently waiting Bridled in his care. 3/31/88
Farewell Day is Done by Gayle A. Travis
Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord I will not weep. And if I do, may these be tears That offer up my hopes and fears. Chaos in this world so wide, Yet the God of order is at my side. Time passes by into the night To bring the dawn with holy sight. Hold my hand Lord, lead me on, Close my eyes – This day is done.
Gayle’s Farewell (discovered 3/17/06) I have lived a good life, not that it has always been easy, but a life that was truly blessed. I have been blessed by the truest of friends and family whom I love with all my heart. Remember not to cry too long, instead remember the crazy things I said or did to make you laugh. If I have brought any joy into your life, do not remember that I am gone, but help me live on in those memories. Play a practical joke now and then; take time to walk barefoot through the puddles in the rain; glance at the sky now and then and see the pictures God paints; if you trip or fall along the way, don’t cry or be embarrassed, but just pretend to pick up the quarter I super-glued to the sidewalk (it never stuck), for these are the things I loved. Many people have given me strength over the years, Jay Graves, Brad Jones, Gene Wisdom, Becky Frank not to mention my friends who knew me best. Above it all, I have loved and been loved, and that makes it all worth the trip. I have gone to my Father now, and I will wait to meet you there. All my love,
Gayle
Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann Š 1927, 1954 All Rights Reserved.