“Generous Acquaintance”

Surly the most beautiful sky

is that colorful goodbye–

except perhaps for the hello

received from the cold below.

The smiling sun will share its heat,

send out bright rays shining sweet–

It is a lesson to a star

physically closer, yet far.

There are times when too much can end.

We have all lost, we’ve all wept–

But here is how to be a friend,

the piece of you I have kept.

(1999)