No bags were packed
No grand plans made
No tickets booked
or seats to upgrade.
Yet you were ready to go;
Gone in the blink of an eye.
We were left
with questions unasked,
although never our habit
to say “Goodbye”.

One last kiss,
sweeter for not knowing
it was the last.
One final hug,
tight with unshed tears.
One last smile lingering
in the corner of my mind,
making mockery of my fears.

May your journey
be swift and merry!
Your companions
loving and kind.
The Earth will hold
our tears for you,
do not tarry!
Whatever you need,
Whatever you search for,
I sincerely hope you find.

Our love goes with you
as yours will always enfold.
We will miss your Wisdom,
your stubborn streak a mile wide,
even your sharp tongue and
the mischievous twinkle in your eye,
the invaluable conversations,
and all the stories left untold.
Memories we will cherish though,
dearer than any gold.
Loving, light as a feather.
Prayers, like thunder bold.

A very dear friend of mine, my second mother, passed away this October. It was sudden, so hopefully a painless parting. She was only 66, but I know she was ready for the journey. It’s taken me awhile to put some of my love for her into words I can share, but she always knew what was in my heart. A rare individual, both humble and courageous.

She never really understood what a blessing she was, never really accepted that she was an inspiration, valuable and beautiful just as she was, all skills aside, to those who love her. She was a wonderful Teacher, and it’s hard not to kick myself for not asking more questions while I had the chance. We never said “Goodbye”, and tried always to make the most of every moment we were given, say what was in our hearts. So, it’s not really as if there is any unfinished business lingering, but letting go is never easy. We had plans to get together just two days after her passing, and I was one of the last people to speak with her. It still feels like she left in the middle of our conversation lol. I am so very grateful for the time were given though, and that far outweighs anything else.

While a perfectly natural and acceptable part of Life, Death is a loss – most especially to those left behind. Poetry is still some of the very best therapy I’ve ever known, and it definitely helps the healing process. May love and light fill the coming days of your own lives. May we all be so lucky to have such caring and inspiring people to cherish.

Mitakuye Oyasin