Heather’s birthday today
What to say about her –
my girl of sevens?
How deep her love,
how unfailing her well of compassion?
How strong her loyalty
how enduring the gift of her friendship?
How wordless her passionate place of perception
What care she takes, in twining words from there
like Inca grasses, wound and wound together
to make a bridge
a fragile-seeming, swinging rope contraption
to speak across the chasm of that space?
Or this: the simple touch
that brings her brother into contact
with his own potential, and a person
who can help him bring it out?
A song in a restaurant, a cuddle at end of day
Laughter, and hugs, and swift glances
of recognition
Family affection unfurled
Priceless delight of my world.
©Wendy Mulhern
July 7, 2011
July 7, 2011