Privileged,

I visit Maureen in hospital

a shell

of what she was;

thin,

frail.

Yet, who she is:

a gentle, loving person

is still present.

Her husband and children echo,

lovingly keeping watch.

Testimony to love

fostered over decades.

Our conversation

was filled with truth and love,

grace and blessing.

This was no time

for empty or idle chatter.

My tears were shed

at a friend’s imminent passing,

all-too-soon.

Grief does not only come at the end.