Passing of an Eternal Flame - For Mary Helen

I have known a love transcending human love

Who sought with grace and dignity to find

Her soul's directive beckoning above

And rose to touch the feet of heaven-kind.

One who chose the earth for her domain

To incarnate in human form and strive,

Accepting sorrow and accepting pain

That the hour of God in all may soon arrive.

I stood the vigil as her breathing slowed

Repeating constantly the sacred Name

Upward the life-force in her gently flowed

The silent passing of an eternal flame.