FROM THIS EARTH

To leave this world in spring,
they have gone on
to grace another space—

hob-nob with the gods
as we remain remembering
to the soothing sound of rain

dark upon our roofs.
Cut-off low out of the south
will linger into a gray

daybreak, and I will absorb
their passing with welcome nods
of understanding

when I turn myself loose
to gaze and search for sign
upon this landscape.

Song and laughter
from this earth,
Vaya con Dios!

                                        for Pat and Merle