you have stood on the highway
and beckoned me on
down the words which run away with my hopes
around the times which tried to take my soul
back into the warmth I lost when Polly died
you are one of the few people who could fill her shoes
a calm island in the sea
where all seeds that fall
are allowed to grow
if they release the rain
and stop reining in the pain
until with shaking hands we come to you
take our electron drinks
and sit down at your electron feet
knowing Spider would be honored to give you the job you deserve
all I can say is thanks
no medication can offer the solace
of a wise one's pain
balance on peter
you are well needed and more than we deserve

-- Debra Grace/SCIAF 6/6/98