"Ah, the souls of those that die

Are but sunbeams lifted higher.". . . Longfellow, 1819 - 1892

Teacher

For Sherry

January 17, 1961 - January 31, 1964

You were an angel baby

Soft fruit to my fire

You suffered with smiles

The impudent medicine

That could not cure you

On Halloween they named it leukemia

Mama a faded ripple

Daddy hollow, resolute

I believed you'd heal

Baby sisters don't die

Thursdays were hospital days

Healthy and sure, I tapdanced

You endured the needles

Syringe larger than your arm

Tapping the beast's source

I have sought you long, sister

At only three you taught me

That every woman leaves

Never have I seen eyes

So finally closed

Vicki Goldsberry Colker

May 28, 1997