runs through my fingertips

furrows formed by tears

so much run-off in my heart

though preparing these many years

*

how can one prepare

for a loved one’s life to pass?

one my knees I’ve daily prayed

memories to hold me fast

*

to the pier of grief I’m moored

against me the waves crash

bulwark waterlogged

to hope my sinews lashed

*

“steer straight” I hear the call

a lighthouse  is ahead

drift not into death’s shoals

peer through the cloud of dread