In memory of Carol Frances, 6/28/14

 
When we learned that a new tenant had 
Taken up residence
We were ecstatic
And the neighbors were thrilled
 
The occupants shared more than just 
The Space
They were crafted from and for the place
Bearing marks of their makers
And infused with a mysterious grace
 
What a gift for me to provide
A home
For one infused with love 
From within and without 
 
The tenant was quiet
And on paper, looked beautiful
We sent in inspectors to make sure 
Living conditions were suitable
We were given thumbs up 
And were reassured 
That she had a nice home
She gave no notice
That anything was wrong
 
But where we once saw movement
And flickering light 
From her dwelling
We now saw a dark stillness 
Her form remained –
But quietly, quietly
Without us knowing
She had left us
 
They opened the doors for us to see her
She was beautiful
Perfectly formed 
But still, so still
 
And the room, now dark and empty
No longer held the tenant
It was no longer even her tomb
And the room, the womb 
Began to weep, and weep
And needed remodeling to heal
 
It took two years
Before a rainbow appeared
And a new tenant took up residence
But she is all moved out of that place
And living with us