hymn of wonder and grief
a close friend
is struck by a
brain-stem
stroke—a
fir half-broken
still stretching
toward light
her daughters
have traveled to
be by her bed
it’s bad, they said
will she live?
can she write?
change is the given
I know this and yet
the echo in my chest
is a hymn of both
wonder and grief
2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.
the heart of the matter 
oh Skye, This hits home on so many levels: I had a mini stroke a couple of years ago, the horror of it engulfed me. And my darling sister, Briahn has just found out her breast cancer is back. We thought that dragon was slain. I am desolated at the news. As you are by your friend’s condition. And I also know from my own battle with cancer (and other life threatening things) that there is a gift in it. Once you work through the fear, you find those lavender halls of light, surrender and acceptance all at once..an opening of self into something larger. Wonder and grief. Hugs💖
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Oh my. I’m devastated to hear about Briahn. And how much you have been through. I’ll write more tomorrow and tell you about my friend Patrice. Sending all my love, Skye.
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