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TO IMMORTALITY
Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality. (Emily Dickinson 1830-1886)
The call came unexpectedly breaking the serenity of the night
A friend I knew while growing up…had given up the fight…
She was loved when she was living.
She was loved the day she died…as witnessed by her entire family
standing by her side.
And though I hadn’t seen nor talked to her in over 50 years
my mind opened the door to her memories…and I was moved to tears.
So many memories…so vivid…so easy to discern…
Memories stored away for all these years…awaiting my return.
I remember how she lived at the bottom of the hill…just a short walk down from me
I remember spending many days and nights…feeling part of her family.
So many memories came rushing now.
So many memories to make me smile.
I was happy to let them wash all over me…and so I lingered there awhile.
I knew her when her fire burned bright…
and though I missed the rest…and I missed her fading embers
I’ll never forget her…because I can’t forget someone
who gave me so much to remember…
Because she could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for her, I see –
And so she rode off with that smile I’ll cherish forever…
to Immortality.
