For Betsey

The first time I saw a shooting star you told me to wait.

That through my patience the world would open up to me,

and streaking an endless cosmos would be a lonely star

just bright enough for me to see.

And now each time I look up at the night sky I know to let the clocks slow

to stop the world from spinning for just a moment.

I can’t explain how much you taught me because I myself do not know.

And I keep trying to find the right words to say goodbye

and the closest I can come is to thank you.

And when I close my eyes,

I try to pull back a curtain of reality to stand before you and

apologize for not saying all that I should have then

But I am older now,

I can speak clearer now,

I see you now as you saw me.

I see a soul handmade and wrapped in wisdom

You were dipped in tenderness and made to walk with a steady hand

God worked well with you because he knew you would move ears to hear

keenly and hearts to grow fonder.

In your fibers are woven wondrous stories and your hands are

worn but not battered.

You are you, timeless and wise

and you have done as you were meant.

You let me love so hard the word family became casual,

and you single handedly held the world in the seats of a motorboat

on the waves of a lake

I hope you can sit in the pine grove and watch the world twirl by,

breathe,

for breath has fallen short.

And your roots will stretch down to connect with the surrounding trees,

firm,

for in life your strength was unmatchable by mountains.

Rest now.

There is a wide universe awaiting you

One that is filled with shooting stars.

Be patient for them

And I will be patient too,

awaiting the day I see you again.