THE VISIT

An egret rests a moment
on our dock unafraid.
What a wonder. Just for us
or rehearsal for a bigger
crowd who will  cheer
at their luck? Look,
they will say and quietly
applauded  (too much gratitude
will drive the bird away),
“It primps on the oak branch
just to your left”
someone will say.

Fine. All I know before
it took flight is that it seemed
to ask us (they do not sing),
more in gesture than
voice, “Was that enough? I
can come tomorrow  to
catch another fish. Just
for you.”

608 Boyd Creek Drive

Dear family and friends,

Tomorrow is chemo day. Two more left after this. Then surgery. Then radiation for a few months.

I really, really hate cancer. Most recently, it took my little sister (she was younger AND little). If I’ve got it right, long ago, it also took my grandmother.

This past week Nora has been extra “puny” (her word). She hates it and let you know just how she feels about that! Since the dogs and I are the only ones around to hear her declamations to the heavens, we feel her frustrations personally and attempt to encourage.  (At certain times, I have learned what to do with my “encouragement,” and we both laugh.)

This episode in our lives is so amazing. “Strangers” comfort us, but then they are no longer strangers.

I will paraphrase my favorite writer (William Carlos Williams) from his poem, “Waiting.” This is what Nora would say …

What did I plan to say to him
when it should happen to me
as it has happened now?

Thank you for your love. . .

Paul

P. S. And thank everyone for their contribution to Nora’s medical expenses. We have been overwhelmed! Please spread the word to friends or friends of friends. The 50% matching funds donation ends June30. One buck equals $1.50. In SO MNAY REPSECTS I wish I didn’t have to do this. But once committed I have been so overwhelmed with the generosity of others, it truly reminds me of who we (everyone!) really are and how generous we are. Yes, you have amazed this typically cynical person.