The sun shines here
The air is warm and sweet
Choirs of birds sing their
A cappella praises for the day

How can this be, when someone dear
Has completed too soon his travels on weary feet
The wires and drips and beeping machines in his care
The only companions of his loved ones in array.

We grieve in expectation of loss,
Celebrate in remembrance of love's
Symphony playing in our hearts,
Raising our sorrows in a single voice.

Our hopes and dreams before the wind we toss,
Watch as they scatter, like frightened doves,
Straining to hold that which departs
As if we had another choice.

Yet surely, spirits - as recompense
For all that one time might have been
And now never shall nor ever hope,
Ashen achievements swirled away-

Must still by grace experience
The weightlessness above the din;
In elemental kindness cope
With all the thoughts from those who pray:

The sun shines here
The air is warm and sweet
Choirs of birds sing their
A cappella praises for the day.

* I wrote this on June 25, 2010 when I got the news from Deven.  I was away on vacation in July when Daniel slipped away.  My heartfelt condolences to Deven's family. 

 For Deven and family.  May Dan's soul soar like a hawk.