Wishes: A Letter
When my hair was still bull cut
I stood with the horses
Feeding them apples and cherries.
You rocked on the porch wishing—
Wishing it would never end.
But at seven, my mind grew
And yours faded.
Age is setting in and I wish—
Wish I could turn back time.
You stayed strong-no pain-
Only courage.
It is so hard to watch this process
And I wish—
Wish it would not claim more.
As eleven rolls by, hope has changed.
Hope of life turns to hope of freedom
From the sickened body and mind.
As we kneel around your bed
We pray for your comfort and release
And wish—
Wish we could see grandpa again too.
Now much has passed and we’ve all come to terms
That you are gone.
But memories give life—
Hope gives life—
Love
gives
life!
I can’t wait for the day when I need wish—
Need wish no more.
(Written in May/June 2006)
Inspired by Ezra Pound's "The River-Merchant's Wife: A Letter"