Ten years since my mom died
and I've not dreamed of her
not once that I remember
and I like to think
it means that she's moved on
and I as well
but in another way
since she is with me
always now that I see the world
she loved so dearly
the birds and flowers
the garden
trees and clouds
with a new clarity and tenderness
it's as if she'd bequeathed me
her vision

She was a spunky one
she had to be
to hold her own
with her belovedhusband
best friend and adversary
Oh Ruth he would say
how could you speak
such nonsense!
and she right back Oh Harold
whatever makes you think
you're in the right?

Sixty-six years of marriage only made them
more themselves
in memory I see them
walking side by side
my father half a step
ahead they're coming back
from watching the sun set
over the water
ready to settle down
for another evening
in their Vineyard home