Cuba

I remember the grand house on the Cimmaron I’d play in the woods when told to “run along” In the hills and trees and on sandy shores The red, red dirt where the water pours

Those days of youth when I was carefree Not burdened by this loss that’s coming for me Of my gracious aunt whose lovely smile Was warm as the hearth after a cold country mile

Never the center piece like her beloved Yellow Rose But always the backbone for all of those Who have come and gone doing God’s work Filling trucks full of clothes and food for the Church

No she was never the center of attention Just a helping hand, a cup of coffee from the kitchen An open door to her welcoming home A meal, a blanket, a place to rest weary bones

I never once heard her ask for her turn Always on task to help those who yearn To find God’s grace in an unforgiving land To help without question her fellow man

Her radiant smile, her questions about you So gracious, so kind, so ready to do Anything she could to make things run smooth All she would do to comfort and soothe

Her presence is missed as we gather today One more moment or kiss or kind word to say From this lady of grace who asked for no return On her investment in you, your life, your concern

We should all be so bold to live life like this To give all that we have of ourselves in kindness Like our fair lady who we lay here to rest Who spent her whole life giving only her best.