I Wish I Could Say

I wish I had the complete words to say

That express what you've always meant to me

The bright influence that lighted my day

A clear vision that helped me better see

No description depicts well that sweet smile

Nor declares encouraging words of hope

Through vital moments of crucial trial

The softened gentle voice that helped me cope

Every single moment or time of day

Comes remembrance of blessings that build strength

Grateful, thankful that God sent you my way

To cast an influence throughout life's length

Comment:

I've been trying for a long time trying to write something inspired by two women who played an important role in my life, but no matter what I wrote down, it wasn't right, and didn't seem to do what I wanted justice. To be honest, nothing I write really does my feelings justice, but some I feel better about than others. This simple little poem is probably the best I've come up with, and unfortunately, it took the death of both women to get it out of me, so neither one of them were able to read it.

These two women were diagnosed at the end of May this year with some rather aggressive forms of cancer. One of them lived only about a month or so after the diagnosis, and the other six months (in fact, only passed away yesterday). They were both extremely supportive of my writing, particularly my poetry. They were two of my biggest cheerleaders.

So to Ann and Aunt Kathy, this one's dedicated to you.