In a voice so soft
I call your name
Soft as in
a last breath
on earth.
But with
better
Loves today
No answer comes
Back from you.
A voice so deep
carrying
Her name through
Walls and windows
everywhere though
She, unawakened
by it
As the sound
makes its
Way unstopped
To where
she rests with
Only staff and
mandolin
on the desert floor.
At the end
Of your calling
By herself
But not alone
With the gifts
of
art she
Made
and gave
to others
today.
Her eyes are
Blue stars on
the sky in its
Most dark.
Of your own hand
It will not matter
Asking if your
empty guess will
Be the maze’s end
That is
not one unclear
to her.
And won’t even
become
a slight
Smile on the
lips or be
Enough to,
When tomorrow,
Again
you try
To appeal
For any help or
answer.

RLB, 07/06/2024