Your courage drove my own

weaker kind

like a flower opening alongside one

that is folded

I watch, because I am more comfortable in the wings

whilst you I believe, enjoyed the hot rays of sun

it was your mercury and your intelligence

upturned face in radiant warmth, forever in

the garden of our hearts, the bloom of your mother’s best flower

I observed you, all these years, and in this time

I saw you fade and I saw your rise

in another form

because strength cannot be taken from a woman

who wants to live

even when she dies

and even as you go ahead, you are not with us physically

though your spirit, bright and unquenchable remains

a tattoo, a bird, a sunrise, the smile in a ginger cat’s eyes

there you still are

I will never forget

you, my sister of genes and thought

smiling, bending sulphur eyed, to stroke a happy dog, with arms of love

you, who lived the best, of us all.

Dearest, dearest Cordelia. Beyond nearly all your irreplaceable infectious spirit touched me again and again. I will share your words as long as I live. Those we love live in us. Bless you sweetest girl. You have grace and you are dearly beloved. May your pain be gone forever and wherever your soul lies now it also lies in all of us who cherish you. My friend. My friend. My friend. You will always be with me.