An intimacy of woven voices,

harmonizing, raising points and

counterpoints, absorbing,

in

continuation of a common

melodic strain, and in such

rhythmic oneness as to seem to

pulse a uniform heartbeat … of

songlike virtues intoned…. Like

the most glorious chamber music – a

small gathering of family. And, as

a conversation moves along, so too

do the movements vary in pacing

and key, breaking into

disparate moods and themes, arrived

at, for the unique journey conversation

takes on – one

conversation, five instruments

of feelings thought at play, singing along,

contributing to an upbeat tenor and tone.

Being together, after months of

isolation – so as not to convey

to loved ones the possibility

of

a virus that attempts to steal

breath away – resounds in the heart

as oxygen

for the soul, nourishing

joyful fires that warm and light

an evening’s cheer. “Lived through …

survived … made it!” is all but

expressed … though

it is clearly manifest in the

lively rhythms, recapitulation of

past activities, and forward-looking

plans. Laughter bursts forth

amid welcome smiles, unmasked, as

a meal is shared – even while

eating – nourishing

feelings of love and belonging.

Not all the voices made it, … a

poignancy

palpable, nearly unspeakable. If

there is a purpose to loss …

it is

to treasure the voices we have,

from the depths of our soul, and

love, appreciate … all who are

a part of us, voices that conceived,

gave birth to, and guided

the unique quality of our instrument,

made to continue

the ongoing music, touched

by the light

of soundness given

to us.

I have spent most of my life following my heart – earning a BA in Piano Performance from Oberlin College, and MS in Human Services-Counseling at National-Louis University. A pivotal moment in my life occurred after college, when I began to see the poetry in life, and write about what I saw. Every morning since then, I have pursued this passion. Writing poetry has been a way for me to begin to grasp life’s Author, and what well may be His love for us. I have lived in Evanston for 40 years – working on staff at Northwestern University, as a counselor in Student Affairs at National-Louis University, a pre-health advisor at Loyola University Chicago, and am now retired with my pandemic buddy, my beloved chocolate lab.