Dance, song, laughter,

and tears of frosted glass.

In and through it I remembered.

There was ice water and a straw.

Our only duty was to keep vigil on her lips.

Her mouth would motion us.

Silent smacking and we would reach

for the cool cup.

She would sup and the arid places

were moist for a moment

until the cycle turned.

I remembered when we shared

our tears and held each other’s

in the bowl of our hands.

The salt water reflection

of Joy.

Yesterday I took little sips

through the straw set on my lips.

Thank you for giving me a drink.

The Verve’s first line in Bittersweet Symphony is one that underlined a day of celebration.

“It’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life.”

I was overwhelmed with the joy of family and friends in celebrating life!

There were moments when I saw the people who were missing though.

The tides continue whether I hear them or not.

God, grant me the grace to keep sipping as the tides come in and out.