Until

I'm holding your letters, here in my hand Each word is wrapped in cursive swirls Of trembling, eloquent, handwriting... You shared your life with me... A gift of yourself, like little grains of sparkling sand... Slipping through my open fingers But, it's only now.... that I fully understand... They were small chapters, and stories....detailed accounts... of a picture you framed, a flower you grew, a morning of mauve,... a dress you made, a puzzle you solved... or the rains that quickly came, then disappeared... A little life, a simple day, so quickly came, and left....through fading years.... Snippets of a life that seemed unremarkable, too easily dismissed Until you were gone. Until I missed you... Until I began to realize that I wouldn't have a second chance... another day, to pay closer attention, ... to ask more questions,...to show more interest to look deeper into your eyes, those eyes of experience, clarity... kindness and charity... so filled with the wisdom of age ....before the page of love had closed.... Your caring, ...your patience,...your understanding.... That in my neglectful ways, I thought would always be.... These letters I hold in my hand, ending with words of love..... that perhaps, I didn't really deserve That only now, I've truly heard.... By Carrie Richards ______________________________________