"Look at Mary, isn't she a strong woman!"
"We thought at the last she’d be wretched and mourning!"
"That Mary’s a rock! She's not even crying!”
“Mary isn't allowing herself to grieve!”
"No tears? It would seem she's not yet let him leave!"
No tears at the Gathering, hugs and pats on the back
Mary was the consoler, an obvious fact
Mary even remembered the names of old faces
Streaming from the woodwork, out of the past.
"But it’s been years since we last spoke!"
Shhhhh, it's all right you didn’t know
You were a favorite he loved you so!
I know you didn't wish to see him this way
We’ll see him again. Shhhhh, my dear, it's OK!
Some wife that Mary! Can you believe it!
No tears to shed over husband's casket!
No tears at the gravesite with military honors
Mary flinched not the slightest at the loud gunshots firing!
To the personal salute Mary extended a hand
Embracing the flag close to her breast
"Thank you from my heart!"
Unheard by the rest.
Somewhere Between a Sigh and a Song, he read
"I was touched by your writing!" encouraged a friend.
"Your prose was a picture of how things must have been!"
If I could I’d do it all over again!
"Made our hearts sting with sadness”
A brief moment they cried.
No tears at the church dinner, Mary scarce ate a morsel
Seven brothers and a sister with families so dear
Close friends all welcomed the chance to be near
Cameras flashing, children laughing…
Surely, after such emotion
Some would think this utter commotion!
The vigil is over!
Shut that wannabe website down!
Nobody wants it! Don't need it around!
Get off of your perch!
Get out of that house!
Do something important!
Something nice for your church!
The Negative Mary is sick and feverish
Filled to the rim with cough drops and self-loathing
Can it be Negative Mary has at last hit dirt bottom?
Where’s the Light-hearted Mary!
Is she lost and forgotten?
Lord, refill the void with your sweet gift of Joy
Grasp this trembling hand tightly
Dry these invisible tears.
You have led so gently through some difficult years
Walk now closely alongside, replacing the pain
With deep Peace like a river refreshed by new rain!
By Mary Beatty 8-6-03
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Background Music: Endless Love
Midi Sequenced by John Signorelli
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(Go to Walking Works Wonders!)