Ode to a....

 Strawberry Moon at Forty-Four Beneath Tzaneen’s velvet sky, a glow, The Strawberry Moon weeps, soft and low. In ‘81, my star was sown, Tonight, its light and loss are known. Full and fleeting, it carves the night, A fleeting orb of rose-gold light. Its beauty aches, a tender wound, The tragedy of a moment’s swoon. Each year turns, like tides that pull, The heart of ‘81, both fierce and full. This moon, it knows the joys I’ve kept, The silent scars where tears have crept. Yet in its glow, I’m born anew, Forty-four, with dreams to pursue. In Tzaneen’s green, I claim this hour, Strawberry Moon, my heart’s own power. No grief alone can dim this flame, For life’s sweet pulse still calls my name. Under this sky, I dance, I soar, Blessed by the moon at forty-four.

  I wonder what it’s like to fade away, If loved ones greet us in the sky someday With our final breath as our souls take flight, We drift to the brightness, leaving the night. I wonder what sights our eyes will greet, I’ll see you there, though you won’t see me. I hope heaven’s all they claim it to be, A realm of truth and a soul set free. No pain, no sorrow, no lies to bear, No tears, no doubts, no lingering fear. They say it’s pure love and joy unfurled, For every soul, be it boy or girl. So heaven awaits as my time draws near, My days are complete beneath this sun, so dear. I hope in your soul you truly know, Life’s meant for living, a worthy goal. So breathe in deep and flash that smile, Because I’m staying here, at least still for a while.