My Friend Remains

The Echo of What Remains Collected Poems of Wanda Lea Brayton

                 — In Memory of Julien

There were hymnals opened within your searching eyes; 

you discovered wisdom everywhere you looked, 

no matter how deep the night became. 

I understood the need for your silent prayers 

and added my own, for good measure. 

Sometimes, when I feed the birds, 

I can hear your gentle voice, 

a trill from distant wings aloft, 

ever grateful for these gifts of love and laughter. 

I feel the breeze stir as you pass by, 

on your way to a better dream of sunlit glory. 

There, the branches are ripe with fruit, 

awaiting your arrival. 

There, the words we kept between us resonate 

with truth so pure, it moans, ecstatic; 

our thirst is diminished - 

our hunger, resolute. 

I will not mourn the morning light 

or this seeming absence, 

for you remain here in my thoughts. 

Your peace becomes you.