Poem for Charlotte You pass by me almost unnoticed. Stroking my tear-choked cheeks, You're soaring on angelic wings- celestial gossamers, dispersing grief. I know you were here, Here in my heart, Here in this chapel. You whisper behind my limping steps, Hold my fall, and gently smile. Whispering that you're safe; giggling, sparkling While they ask where have you gone and why? You are an angel now, sweet Charlotte, Swiftly soaring 'midst St Michael's squadrons. That step, that pace, that speed, that thirst for life, eternally wrought. Meant to be. Now you teach young angels: little lost souls who need you. I will go to my holy mountain place, above the Ionian Sea, Pray in the ancient church where senses are caressed by the aromas of warm thyme and cedar trees. I will stand, humbled, and wait serenely for angel wings, wait upon wafting celestial winds that herald your presence. Your eyes in an ikon? your voice in silent echoes? your figure flickering in candlelit shadows? within an incense of silence? Charlotte, "Simmers." My friend and colleague. Now a lucky young soul has a beautiful Guardian Angel. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With love from Burnie. May the Lord bless you and keep you