The Visit

 

Presence competes with absence and, from time to time, overcomes feelings of loss and absence. It is this sense of a beloved’s presence beyond death that is so confusing. 

How can it be that I sense her presence here, around me in this house, with me, and on our woodland trails? 

Am i in denial? Or is it that profound love developed over decades of chosen togetherness cannot be overcome by death? 

Theologically,  doctrine fails me as i experience Sabine’s essence still among, with, and in me.

————————————————————

shirley

your childhood best

friend called 

sharing a dream

last night

you

visited

looking somewhat puzzled

even a bit bewildered

she hoped I didn’t

mind

you know 

sabine traveling

then 

to make sure

she was recognized

she left a note 

falling to the ground

you picked it up

it read

sabine

i was not surprised

sabine always wanted to

visit shirley

her home in las cruces

mocha and i

are heading south

next month

we all knew

sabine loved 

travel 

but

she doesn’t have to

leave

a note 

when she’s

at home

here with us.