I saw your picture today

4.15.10

I saw your picture today

taken just 10 months ago

you were getting ready

for surgery

it brought tears to my eyes

and my heart 

swelled and contracted

with the suddenness of the memory

your face was so knowing, so accepting

I didn't see it then

it wasn't my cancer

I hadn't crossed the line

but now I understand

what you understood then

and see how you chose to fight 

with dignity and grace

you disavowed self-pity

for five more minutes

with watercolors

or your grandchildren

claimed your right to

sunshine and fresh air

even when you could

no longer move your legs

you found utter strength

without pretense

and never considered

giving up on yourself or anyone

and when the void

reached up and 

took you in that

quiet dark midnight

we were all grateful

that peace and poise

found you even in

the final moments

and now a stillness settles 

where once was your strength

granite monoliths quiet in the mist

the clear bottom of the eddy's pool

you understood, too

that you were going there

and made a place for yourself among

the softer ferns and the spring light

in dreamtime you have 

returned to me recently
you seem happy, mostly

more innocent and less concerned

your path of love continues

in your ways and words

and in the light that came

to take you home, again