A Strong Wind at Coppermine - For Mary Helen

"There must be a strong wind at Coppermine,

Many trees are down."

And with these words her spirit crossed the line

That borders the unknown.

She spoke as she lay dying, miles away

From forest haunts we knew,

The drugs now held her mind within their sway

In moments brief and few.

She asked me often where her blessings were,

The flowers Mother gave

In packets filled with force that entered her,

To help protect and save

The souls of those who believe that love divine

Shall triumph over death,

Their lives of solemn offering the sign

Beyond the final breath.

I placed the 'blessing packets' on her chest

Invoking the Lord's peace,

A child of God preparing now her rest

Whose love shall never cease

To comfort me and though her smile is gone

Such tenderness remains,

Her spirit urges me to carry on

The spiritual gains

Our souls' communion helped us to achieve

Proceeding towards Her feet,

And all attachment to the past unweave,

Attain to Heaven's seat

And then towards the evening of my days

Surrender all my life,

For we shall meet again in mystic blaze,

Disciple, friend and wife.