I lost my friend
did I tell you?
She died.
An ache gnaws my heart, persistent, sadly reminds.
She walked early, loving
morning light
early walkers
fresh crisp air.
Late afternoon for me
light warm golden
from the setting sun
late walkers with dogs.
So many topics we explored – politics, ethics, food, multicultural relations
religions international and personal
the priceless value of family, friends, and strangers
and finally
what our remaining future holds.
We spoke our minds
bared our fears
our joys
our questions.
In the end, no world problems solved
no personal stances altered, just
two souls lovingly understanding
one another.
For both, the end hovers in sight
the final battle cannot be won
in our hands only the skirmishes before the end
our fight to make our last days good.
Our challenges?
Her failing heart
my dementia
trivial things like that.
I point to the extra years she has already squeezed from this heart
why not more?
She claims dementia must be fast to beat my declining pool of years
why not this?
Then we look into one another’s eyes
laugh
clasp hands
sit close together
and remember.
I lost a friend
did I tell you?
She died.
Dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth MacLeod, an outstanding person, loved by all.