This poem is for my dear friend Andrew Pulido, who lost his mother. We are all with you.

Forget life —

the way it punishes you unfairly

I must remind you

of your strength —

especially on these summer mornings,

that has never felt so cold.

As I paint you in my mind,

I am reminded of the love I always see in your eyes,

all these years,

I must remind you of your power.

You are laughing,

walking fast again —

chasing love and life.

And now when I look

at your pained face — I know,

again, you are dreaming of warm paradise

the gardens of love and acceptance – what joy you will have —

the years you spent

surviving by your mother’s side —

your pride, raw from life’s storms

your fingers cracked

and bruised from growing, hungry for life.

And one day, she will slip her hand

in yours again,

and lead you to the garden,

where you will never tire of her voice,

and she will never tire of your everlasting love.