Speak Softly

Barry Yelton

Please don’t shout
the night is still
day is over
and hope.

Now is the time
for quietness
for peace,
time.

She lies so still there
swaddled in silk
with flowers
and family

“The wind passes over it
and remembers it
no more.”

And yet I remember so much
days of hopeful youth
when she sang to me
talked with me
loved me

like no other ever will.

Speak softly now, the angels come
upon clouds of startling light
to take my mother
home.