Requiem for a Queen

Cancer has no friends
no one to stop the armies
destruction countless numbers
endless grains of sand
among bubbles of tar
on the beach
that lap nature’s beauty

nostrils oceans breeze delight
nothing is more serene
sunset glory we all love

Margaret the warrior queen
let cancer know
going the distance
weakened opponent
she was not

The battle was to begin
three years passing
the war fought hard
rallies from within
her three sons three daughters
grand children plenty
loving husband John
dutifully nearby her side

Brains and other organs
supporters of human life
24/7 human spirit tested
repeatedly attacking
day and night
rain or shine
cloudless skies
gentle breezes slide

over your thick silver mane
quiet hour’s solitude
your thoughts your own

Recovery constant
chemo not an option
time goes by
tests, more tests
drugs more drugs
many hugs
those who knew Margaret
myself the honor I had
were blessed by her kindness
her candor her caring

Soul of unconditional love
the earth has lost
to the enemy
within us all

Bless you Margaret
lost war to heartless soldiers
odds against you
all of us knew

Time stopped
last breath only you knew
waves leave crooked trail
among infinite sands

final sunset glory
view from your windows
blackened now
peacefully rest mom
battle won
we all loved you
your peace has come

rainbow of people met most good at heart
some unhappy jealous desolate anti California chimes
befriended some shared meals finding common ground
back on the road next day

many stray dogs witnessed
angry they’ve been abandoned
sense their distrust
eventually come over to feed drink water

images I’ll never forget
my photos my Haiku my memories
regretful few conversations
human nature it’s worse it’s best

lone wolf my souls deep heartfelt mate
never worried about time route or destination
never worried about death
smiling at keys final turn no regrets