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!

* * *