MERCEDES: This is for you

Capture the in-betweens,

The gasps, stutters and tears,

Hold on to the moments that are born,

From the womb of grief, loss and fear,

For those moments will mature,

Blossoming into connections,

For pain is a doorway if we let it,

To reach out to those in tribulation,

Read the quivering lips,

When they are lost for words,

Embrace those around you,

When they are seeking to just be held and heard,

Touching life through grief,

Is not an easy thing to carry out,

But empathy is love in action,

That allows to ease one’s guilt and doubt,

Love them,

Know that alone is enough,

Breathe into existence their memory,

By remembering them by their love.

(Dedicated to Mercedes Abernathey)

SASHA FISHER

Coeur d’Alene