exactly one more week...

so as I vacuum our floors for the very last time
in preparation for the new girl
who will be moving in
I'm elated with anticipation of our little college suite
to live simply
with no possessions as when we were young

and I think of all those who have been here most recently
who have touched these floors that we walk
and those who have touched us
as together we have talked and shared and celebrated this life
in our home where we live

our boys

our girl

the momma

and those now far away

who once walked here
once lived here

and who we will see in just six quick days

and suddenly a flashing red siren catches my eye out the window

another funeral procession from town to the cemetery at the top of the hill

and I remember this past year and those who have passed from our lives

and wonder who this year yet unknown will pass from our lives

no one knows 

except Our Mother to whom we pray

and who alone prays for us. . . now. . . and at the hour of our death. Amen

I know . . . a little melancholy

but the going away and the unknown and good byes

and blinking red lights and remembering

and the rain

keep thoughts of eternity always before my eyes