To Leatrice in her Illness

In the woman I found the child
and I played with her awhile,
but the laughter stopped long before
I had my fill.

In the child I found your Mother,
as we talked and hugged each other,
and the loving image of that time
lives with me still.

In your Mother I found a friend,
a warm companion at the end,
whose grace and courage I remember
and always will.

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