“Thankful . . . and dancing with a beautiful friend.”
(from Katrina’s Christmas blessing for Julie
and for Tiffany, December 5, 2022)*

She understands their mothers’ calm now,
eyes and smile eased against the dark of pain

lifting from the covers of night, over now,
that new light rising from the bow

tempering the music of violin and cello,
Avé Maria and tender Bach,

delicate fingers almost imperceptible
at the brow, slipping down the temple,

the quiet body accepting the partner’s
invitation, settling into the dance.

*And for other daughters who have lost their mothers.