Happy Birthday
Gracious permission to share this poem with you was granted by Pat Owen, my soul sister, author and illustrator of “Writing the Waves, a little book on navigating the big emotions of Grief.”
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FOR RUBY
Like a ruby-throated hummingbird
you brightened us like a newborn sun
breaking over the land on the first day of Spring,
astonishing us with your brilliance, color, and spirit.
You lived your brief 28 years flags a blazing,
a shining ornament on the Tree of Life.
* * *
Hearing the dreadful news
with despair and disbelief
that you are gone
I go over and over again
the things that I said to you just weeks ago
“You are a beautiful woman, inside and out.”
“I admire your style!”
“You are a gifted, talented writer and
your blatant honesty stops me in my tracks,
turns my soul to mirrors.”
“Hey, your hair is even shorter than mine!”
“Travel safe! I love you!”
* * *
What I wish I had said:
Are you okay?
could we have coffee and a chat?
As if…
As if knowing would have saved us from our sorrow.
As if we might have been able to share your burden.
As if talking would have prevented you
from setting yourself free.
* * *
Iridescent wings now lift you beyond mediocrity,
beyond the darkness, pain, and heartbreak
we may never fully grasp the intensity of,
to become a ruby-throated Bird of Peace
leaving us gazing through our tears at the full moon,
a mere reflection of your sparkling, unforgettable,
loving, perfect smile. Fly safe! I love you!
* * * * * * *
Thank you, dear Pat, for your beautiful poem!
To all of you… Fly safe. I love you!
* * *
Ruby Pipes 