Feathers

Your gifts now are the feathers
That fall like messages from the heavens
I find them at my feet as I walk, calling your name

The loss is always there, but there is a growing as well
A feeling of fulfillment of your purpose
To be a guide, as always!
I'm going first, you seem to say
So you can learn from my leaving
And find the way to the longing for union
That I once experienced

Your zikrs sigh through the trees
And the birds sing Al humdullilah! to the forest.
I gather the feathers, your words to me.
And hold them close to my heart,
As once I held you near.

Your love is here yet.
It fills me with gratitude
For your gifts from the winged ones,
Your messengers from the other side.

- Poem #3, December 26, 2006