JOAN

She was and is the centre

of her solar system, giving light and warmth

to the family, friends, Church, orbiting

the glowing heart of love.

Even as that sun gutters,

dims, and the outer dark mystery encroaches,

her gathered planets give their own

stored radiance back.

Lily of the Valley was her

favourite flower, blooming in fortuitous vigour

as she paled to transparency in the

thin-sheeted hospital bed.

Consummatum est; the cup

brimming fuller than most, has been drained.

No drop spilled or wasted, Godspeed,

mother of my father,

Grandmother to me, our clan

matriarch, blood of my blood, fortress sanctuary

of my bone, place of safety, archetype of

unconditional compassion.

Husband and wife reunite

where mountain, ocean, sun’s glint, pink reef,

horizon, and vast open sky are one

in one single glance.