We’ve all done it,
we’ve lain down markers.
We can’t remember everything,
so we recall some things
over and over until
a cairn is placed on our
memory like a now moment
saturated with eternity.
*
She had been gone a while.
I was a punk kid with
a short sleeved sweatshirt.
I saw my Ellen
asleep on the couch;
jean jacket, bell bottom
denims; her lower lip
adrift from the upper.
*
I dropped any hesitance
to interrupt her dreams.
I leapt like a flying squirrel,
draping my body over hers.
No shame. Flawless delight,
and tears bursting over her
like watering an arid absence.
We were we.
*
Markers, like paperweights,
holding down vignettes
that could blow away
with a gust of dementia.
Cairns set like stepping
stones to cross our
stream of semi-consciousness.
The gravity of grace.
*
Honoring the hippy of the long gray hair; my sister Ellen who passed away last weekend from complications of dementia
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jerry. I remember Ellen too.
Thank you.
Sorry for your loss, Jerry. I used to babysit for your family until the twins were around 3 or 4. Ellen will be missed.
Thank you.
I haven’t met Ellen. My condolences with the loss of your sister. She now lives in your memories… not quite the same as visiting over a cup of coffee. My you long remember the precious moments, the joy, the brother/sisterly connections.
Thank you Jasper.