Dream Visitor

You came!
        ¡Volvió!

I awoke full of delight
at 3 am
I could see the sea of stars
from the back of the airstream
bobbing like glowworms in a cave.

Of course you visited here,
this hillside made more sacred
by these last twenty seven years
of stewarding heirlooms.
The place where I've been
closest to the land this last year.

Of course you visited now
International Women's day,
just after your birthday,
On a night where an unexpected snowstorm
had iced the landscaped in sparkles
so that the land reflected the starry sky.

Of course you visited, as you were,
In the hospital,
Your body a maze of IVs and ports.
Present to every moment as it came.
Ready to explore each piece of life.

"How is it, to die?" I ask.
"What is that transition like?"

You raised your left eyebrow in thoughtful contemplation.

"I can't tell you," you said.

"There aren't words."

"It was incredible."

and with that, you gave me one of your exceptional smiles.
The crinkles of your eyes sparking joy,
And as always, you astounded me
with your capacity for wonder and delight.

And then you hugged me.
Tight; fierce,
I could not understand how you could hug so hard
through the needles
across that distance
Love is that bridge.
Until the next time, friend.