For Mary Helen

Anniversary

Another year and love within us grows.

Arising with the accustomed light of dawn

You will smile and I will hold you close,

And we will go where souls have rarely gone,

But now the body is no more and I

Alone shall celebrate your memory.

Let me not dwell upon the final days

When only was heard the steady slowing breath

Departing this frail envelope of grace

But rather on the peaks transcending death

When the blossoms of all earth before us fell

And beauty flowered though the time-bound shell.

The sight of you more sweetly than a kiss,

Your loveliness my spirit's sanctity

Sealed fifty years and more of worldly bliss

And touched a depth of soul unknown to me,

Shall outlast sorrow continuing the quest

And know my life by you supremely blessed.