Angel

A sky of angel clouds:

wings and several faces.

None of the faces 

is yours, but I'm reminded

that those who can see 

always recognised you 

as an embodied angel ...

gone now, to join your own.

Completion

My beautiful man passed away today about 3.40 in the afternoon. The nursing home phoned me just after breakfast so I went straight there and our dear friend Maureen joined me there, and we sat with him all day. The nursing home fed us, and we reminisced about him and his life, and talked to him too, and held his hands, knowing he could feel and hear us although he was unable to respond. He was very peaceful and comfortable all day, and went quickly and easily. He did wonderful things in his life, and was a treasured friend and mentor to many. I have been very blessed to have 20 years with this incredibly loving man.

First Day of Spring

I march out into the street, late afternoon,
the sun still bright, the air balmy.
New leaves are sprouting on all the trees.
A neighbour's bamboo hedge stands tall and thick.

I Step Outside

A cold, clear morning.
Ragged patches of cloud,
more navy-blue than grey,
linger after last night's
distant thunder.

Out On My Walk

Out on my walk
though I'm deep in grief
bright yellow Everlasting Daisies
with central circles of gold
cause brightness for me too
for a moment.

Lying Back in His Bed

Lying back in his bed
in the nursing home
he puts one arm up
behind his head.

'Why?' I ask him.
His eyes twinkle.
'Just because,' he says.

Hospital Patients

Two elderly men sit side by side in armchairs, chatting happily. They are dressed in their outdoor clothes. One has a deep red jacket, the other a mauve shirt. Both are in jeans. They are white-haired and balding; one has a thick white brush moustache. They are smiling and laughing as they yarn to each other.

My Husband in Hospital

All day he has been by the window, looking out at the hills across the way. This morning he was sitting up, admiring them. This afternoon he was resting. When I asked, 'Are you awake?' he opened his eyes, looked out at the sky, and said with pleasure, 'Oh, it's all bright!'

Early Morning Birds

Early morning birds
and the expectant hush
of Spring in the air
take me back

to my grandparents' house
amongst orchards
in Tasmania,
six decades gone.