Crossing the Piney

I crossed the River Styx today,

Its current hard and swift.

In swallows' dip and swoop,

In vultures' circle dance,

I let her go at last.

Sparkle sun and light-blast lustre

below the limestone bluff;

All green and smooth

the water there,

While down below

In rippling current's flow

The petals loosed, the ashes too,

I gave her back at last.

On memory's tide

In fading golden hues

I crossed the River back again.

The water cold

Its promise sure

To take her home at last.

--for my mother (above)

1934-2002