Long before I knew their name
my toddler fist brought you bunches of bluets
that you’d put in a tiny glass on your kitchen shelf.
“Honeysuckle” I first heard from you.
You lived in your own Eden of crocuses and lavender irises
and your red lace-leaf maple and the cookie tree
and pretty, flower-filled window boxes.
I kept meaning to send you a picture of this
hoping you could tell me what tree it is.
You’d smile when I’d ask you to give me warning before you left,
so that I could pack up and go on the big adventure with you.
As foretold, we knew not the time
and we were caught by surprise.
You’ve gone on ahead of me but you’ll always be within me.
I love you and miss you.
SilverLining 