Sonnet to Mary Helen

Dec. 12, 1999

When the surgeon gently broke the news

That death was waiting only weeks away

And no hope remained but only to weep and pray

We prayed and Grace descending did perfuse

Our hearts. I kissed to sleep those lovely eyes

So filled with silent tears, and held her smile

That these long years my spirit did beguile

With gentleness and love from brighter skies.

Of strength she has sufficient in her soul

To face the fierce Opponent in the cells

Wherein the deep divinity also dwells,

For in the beauty of her spirit she is whole.

No force or fate can make that beauty less

Or loose from us our bond of sacredness.