For My Godmother

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always use
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household world that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

My godmother, Athena, passed away on Friday, October 16th.
She had the best laugh that I think I've tried to duplicate my whole life!
My godparents were a constant presence in my life, and never forgot to send me $5 for Easter candles every year. I am blessed to have all of the memories.

May her memory be eternal, and may she rest in peace.
I love you Nouna, and will miss you terribly.