Echoes
By: Benedicta Hiler (For Auntie Clare)
In the past, we chatted about Dancing with the Stars.
Your echo was deafening.
“Hi, darling!” you'd exclaim
and proceed to tell us all about the contestants through bursts of laughter.
You were always just a phone call away.
In the past, we brought over supplies for your cat.
Your echo was deafening.
“Thank you, darling!” you'd exclaim
and proceed to wrap your arms around us in a warm hug.
You were always just a short visit away.
In the past, you were the life of the party, bedecked in high heels and flaming red lipstick.
Your echo was deafening.
“Come along, darling!” you'd exclaim
and proceed to entertain us with hilarious antics and anecdotes.
You were always just an invitation away.
In the past, you were selfless and generous to everyone.
Your echo was deafening.
“You're welcome, darling!” you'd exclaim
and proceed to support and spoil us with your enormous heart.
You were always just a request away.
Today, we call out to you.
The silence is deafening.
Your laughter, once exuberant, is hushed,
your arms, once wide, are resting,
your voice, once comforting, is mute,
your heart, once overflowing, is still.
Now, you are only a prayer away.
We honour you,
not with tears and sadness,
but by echoing your legacy of joy.
We raise our laughter at happy memories,
fold our hands in prayer for your eternal repose,
join our voices in stories of your magnificent life,
and open our hearts to receive the profound love you leave behind.
We've heard your familiar exclamation in the past,
always with unconditional affection,
so now, we joyfully echo back,
“We love you, too, darling!”
