Birthday Thoughts....Of...Mary Azevedo Poem by James B. Earley

Recalling...the voicemail's...anguish
...A daunting message.....of such kind
That lingers on in pained reflection....
Residual imagery....plagues the mind

Softly sobbing words were spoken
....Trembling murmurs....displayed it all
'I've been diagnosed a terminal illness'
...Tormented still....its troubled call

A kind....and caring....soul...was she
Cruel the plight life sent her way
...As often happens with the goodly...
Seems...undeserving...ones...that stay

Compassion was her sacred mantra
....'Tis the eulogy I've heard many give
My friend succumbed at fifty-eight....
Desperately wanting...so much...to live

March 13th....her 70th...anniversary
....Celebrating...quietly...alone I'll pray
Live on she will in precious memory....
As long as breath shall come my way


Author's note:
Penned,6 March 2017 - Dedicated to: Mary Azevedo - 13 March 1947 - 2 June 2005