Gentle Soul

I lived in that town five years

and had contact with many people

but you were the only one who

showed me genuine kindness

and interest in my life and person

Rosanne, you were no stranger

to deprivations and desperation

you knew what it was to suffer

you were smart and survived

with enviable courage, determination

I was so glad you had a good man

to spend your last years with

I wanted often to call you but

you had dementia and interacting

was desperately difficult for you

I read of your death today

you've been gone almost a year

you're a gentle, beautiful soul

I hope you can hear me say 

“I love you Roseanne”