In Memoriam: Marlieke Overmeer

In September, you were still softly and vitally present at our book presentation. Now you’re dead.

Sweet, passionate person,

Thank you for the warm inspiration with which you lived your life.
Thank you for your beautiful art. Your inspired projects. The look in your eyes.
Thank you for the sisterhood and brotherhood we were allowed to walk with for a while.

The earth angels you painted for us: we will cherish them.
The small gesture you made to save the world: it’s in our hearts right now – right where you hoped it would end up.

Dear, earthen angel of ours.
In the kind word we just share with someone: there you are.
In the gesture of cordiality that happens spontaneously: we will greet you in it.
In the wonder of life: goodbye!

Poem in honour of Marlieke Overmeer
By Sjak Habets

Now that you’re going beyond yourself

I follow the way back

I’m looking for meaning with you

in everyday things.

The beauty of the scouring pad

Symbolism of the Tea Cosy

the serenity of the ruminating cow.

A world of its own

Selfless and silent

that you painted

In the particularity of mere being.

We go through the park one more time

Endless clouds paint ephemerality

on the blank surface

of sky blue.

While watching, we see

how dizzying infinity

out of incessant change

appears.

Dogs run after each other

Children Playing In The Grass

And above us the clouds take

their limitless reality again.

Silently we continue

Serene silence embraces the moment

in which we go beyond ourselves

have gone.

Sjak Habets