how did you do that, Deb?

always with us/ as a gentle presence-beside us

especially privately and personally/allied to each and every 

as if they were the one and only(and each was for their time

was yours to share and devote your skills prodigious-

editor,poet,listener,volunteer-you gave your all to each as needed

and now they each claim a part of you.See!one garden

you grew in readings,another in publications,still more in personal conversations

Each know a facet of your diamond sparkle

Each hold it precious as a fact and story

Now you are gone,it takes ten others to continue

all those projects you initiated and saw through 

We can never do it as well as you.Your art was personal-

a tale shared by those who knew you.If told to strangers,

it loses glow like coral exposed to sunlight,or lost seashells on a shelf

The ocean still sings to those who listen,but deeper for those who dive

into the mysteries of how and when ,as well as who and why..

There is an end to every one-we claim you via your investment in us

We remind those who did not know you they missed someone precious

Poems were only one part of you-yet each as true as life.

Now you are gone,we carry one.Light has changed 

from your smile and eyes to these tales of wonder

How did you do that magic?Making every moment special?

Can you come back and show us one more time?