For Barbara
 
I was here
at this spot
in the park
the day after your funeral
eighteen dreary years ago
 
Lovely young cousin,
special in your smile
in the secrets we shared
in the love we glowed
to each other
your voice uniquely you,
vivid with warmth
 
The trees then were leafless
beautiful skeletons
reaching for Heaven
I sketched them
in remembrance
 
And asked
Why?