sure I think of her often
and yes the photographs help
as does the wind or the rustle within the leaves
still so fresh and I admit I was unprepared
the message was of hope and change
idealistic but was it not tangible?
the time seemed so apropos

but they refused to let go
an old book perhaps but one well read and shared
despite the contradictions and passages of doubt
collective embrace is difficult to separate
determination and will unbreakable
a surprise of ignorance
a victory of what really

solitude was her parting gift
no note or words to embrace
solemnly and quietly shared an inability to remain
the spirit had perished
buried below the rosemary, sage, and thyme
frozen in time
patiently enduring yet another season of ice