Tall grasses cover the beach that once was -
A different shape of shore makes it hard to find the spot -
Mossy rocks still present, but seem to have moved,
But - this is the right spot - this is your place.
Can I stand in the river on this day, just shy of four years since you died?
Can I stand here to bless your watery grave with roses, hydrangeas, daisies, and rosemary we planted side by side when we were so sure there were decades ahead of us?
Standing in the river beholding your grave with tears in my eyes --
Unable to resurrect you from the water
Unable to resurrect our life together -
It's all right in front of me on a stunningly beautiful summer day.
And when I turn to my friend
Standing in the river right behind me
He reminds me there are choices to make --
Choices for life or choices for staying locked in our aloneness.
Our faith is all about life -- it's all about resurrection
But
Resurrection can only follow the death, the grave
And
For mere mortals it's a leap of faith, it's a choice.
Can I stand in this river of memory and at the same time claim new life?
This year I can.
This year a soft, strong, silent Yes behind and within said it is possible.
Thank-you.