May 21, 2000

I wish that I could have
Bottled your giggles
When you were small
And collected all of your
Handprints from each windowpane.

If I could have done this
I would take them out gently
Whenever I need to,
And spread them across everything.
Then, I would find such joy in remembering.

But I have no giggle
Or handprints
To hold and scatter,
And remembering is somewhat bittersweet,
For you are so far away from home ...

And home will never be
The same without the
Sound of your laughter
And the gift of your presence
Spilling out of every room.

Priscilla Wright