for MS
She taught me it is enough to sit
with someone who is grieving—
to sit and listen with your whole body
as if eyes could hear as well as ears,
as if a person’s silence is as essential as her words.
She taught me it is a gift to say
the name of the one who is gone—
such powerful balm, that briefest
of songs, the name.
She taught me to light a candle
and to promise to not blow it out,
not even after the conversation is done.
She taught me the solace
of offering no wisdom, asking no questions.
She gave me the gift of myself. And met me there.