Jan would be the first to leave the wedding.

Her health has been poor and it was a cold night.

But when she stood, cane in hand

a line began to form…….

Her family seeking to say goodnight

or something, touching in for a moment

of being close….

Wildly radiant as she met each one

with something akin to fire…..

I saw all of this!

When it was Henry’s turn, art student at Pratt

Jan extended her hand

with such a glimmer and glint in her eye

A pirate gazing into the future.

Next the sparkling bride and her groom

hugs and kisses….

granddaughters, daughters, her son, two nieces

a brother, his wife and Willow and I

holding the gate by her side.

The night had gotten long and over

and a mist had settled on the sea.

At last she turned to me and said

“Oh, You I’m not saying goodbye to”

tears in my eyes “Me neither”