2 years today…

remembering Carol…

Carol’s been gone two years today. It doesn’t feel like that long… I can still hear her in the kitchen, singing hymns with her morning devotions, or laughing… long conversations that now sound like one beautiful conversation that lasted for 6 years.

I wrote a poem for her a year or so before her stroke. I wish I could read it to her again.

I was attracted to the Spanish poet, Federico García Lorca, first because the singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was a fan; second, because his poetry in his native language is masterful. From his poem “Arboles” (Trees), 1919, the phrase “la pasión perfecta” (perfect passion) became the seed thought for my poem.

For Carol

reaches for the Son
rooted
taut
upward
more light, more light!
and I reach too

reads out loud
fervid, engrossed
heavier stuff
lighter stuff
talk that edifies
and I talk too

reflects on injustice
millions… yes, really
oppressed, victimized,
destitute & desperate
tears from the heart
and I cry too

redeems the inevitable
looming uncertainty
why ask why?
it is what it is
having done all, to stand
and I stand too

revels in re-married-ness
amazing providence
bountiful grace
wholehearted harmony
perfect passion
and I revel too

from my book…