" The Red Bird Sings"

~ No sun outlasts the sunset
           But will rise again
                                    And bring the Dawn. 

 ~ Maya Angelou 

The day is lovely, I climb the hill ...

A grave marker gleaming in the afternoon sun
Your name, oh so familiar and true
I reach  for the top of the stone, to steady myself, and you are there
I trace the letters with my heart and hand
 Realising, you live on in each heart that loves you -
And the red bird sings.


Your life; so much more than mere words chiseled in stone...

The view, one  so reminiscent of you

Age-olde trees, settled in a peaceful ravine

Teaming with the glories of Nature; each one, you held so dear
Yours  is a special room in a safe corner of my Heart
Never to forget you -

 And the red bird sings.

As I ascend the hill, it seems a difficult climb...

 I remember how often you walked 

When little oxygen was given you

 Your body incredibly stressed

Yet, you were determined to give each step your absolute best

I will give you no less -

 And the red bird sings.

Your  husband, now buried next to you...

Following you, nine months later
To the Great Unknown;

I guess it is the way it was meant to be
Perhaps those were his wishes, as to be with you
You never liked being away from each other -
And the red bird sings.

I bring nothing in my hands...

Yet, my Heart is full
So many thoughts and emotions
Now, seeping through porous grief
A grief that we often bore, together

We were always a part of each other's healing -
And the red bird sings.


  I turn to make my descent ...

I see you clearly in the afternoon sun
You are happy; I sense the joy in your smile
Your hand steady upon my shoulder
As you point me to my family;
Our family-
And the red bird sings.

  ~ For your love and prayers, always... Thank You!
 The red bird sings.

Alicia O'Hara
c. 31 May, 2014


~ Beannaichte'
16 May, 2017
  

@beannaichte.twitter.com