March 3, 2022
I unzip the case, remove the dulcimer
Sleek and shining, walnut and redwood
Lay it on my lap, take up the pick
Strum the simple melodies from memory
The lone wild bird
Shenandoah
The ash grove
Amazing grace
And my dying friend in the bed
Closes her eyes and smiles
“The lone wild bird in lofty flight”
I sing softly
“Is still with thee and in thy sight”
I never sang for you, dear mother, on your hospital bed
Or for you, dear father, dying alone in the nursing home
But I sing for my friend
“Great spirit come and rest in me.”