A gift of love

She offered it to me because I had said I loved it when she first walked into the room

Only moments ago, but ages yet, after sobbing and stammering over the loss,

The grief, the disbelief, the incredulity that this could have happened again

And why, and why, I sobbed

And they all looked at me, their eyes which have seen so much, knowing this grief 

Or another, at least as bad, maybe worse, but by this age, we all know deep grief.

I said yes.

And then after she gingerly removed it from her neck, she passed it to the next person

Who held it in their hands for blessed moment before passing it all around the table

Where each person sent their intent of love and healing into this beautiful shimmer

Of love and community.

I put it on, it is my intention that a baby is one day cradled in their arms.