Seven years since your eyes br closed for the last time br forever. br Scrub clad in whites or greens, br they could not start your silent heart br though, oath-bound, they tried. br Finally, they let you go, br accepted your death. br Gone, you would not return br from that journey each must make alone. br br I've sensed you since muted earth br rang upon your husk's metal house. br In dreams you've come & spoken to me: br solitary or with other family members br all dead like you. Our communication br seems clearer now than when we br shared our earthly bond. br br My waking memory is not so vivid br as these dreams in whose confines br you are real to me again. br In night's silent cocoon, br I touch your face, br kiss your crinkled eyes, br & know once more your love: br your mothering touch br unsullied by the grave. br br (rev.