Fresh cut flowers strewn on a sidewalk
Lighted candles before a market
Such tragic testimony
Whispered voices can barely address

Caught in the moment, unwilling to leave
Neighbors linger
Clutching hands
Sharing grief and disbelief

Shuttered behind her closed eyelids
A beautiful lady stands apart
Though I’ve forgotten the lines of her face
Her inward gaze still haunts

Clothed for fall
Her hands ungloved at her waist
Thumbs and forefingers joined
Palms faced forward and welcoming all

In her moment of stillness
Born of the stars and lost in the ages
She silently weaves
Making whole
The torn fabric of humanity

AJD, April 15, 2016 (with a special thanks to E. Ross)