Shalom Aleichem

She speaks, but not aloud,

And her eyes tell it all.

For she stands at the ready, always waiting…

Forever anticipating the final call.

Her life has been a full one

If held by the simple measures of time.

Yet when all tallies are taken

There will be much that was left undone.

However, through faith… she knows her destination.

And she with hidden joy looks forward to this

With her heart and mind set for jubilation.

Yet  she fails to see what her leaving…will do

 to this family.

For I watch with sadness

what I have seen many times before.

A sudden lack of interest,

a creeping and clinging loneliness.

the continuous self seclusion

all maintained from within

a bolted door.

For what can one say?

To someone who…

Who can sense that these are the last days.

To say nothing would be a crime,

Yet to pretend all is well…and fine

Well, to me, I feel that would be akin to lying.

So I think,

With a nod

And a wink,

That to her

This day,

I will

Simply say…

Shalom, dear one, Shalom.

Gods speed, Gods grace.

shalom aleichem

to you this day.

J. Allen Wilson © 2004