March 5, 2022

With every wedding we attend

We are there again
Facing our loved one
Our hands clasped
Faces aglow

And with every deathbed we attend

The river smooth or storm tossed
We are there again
Holding a hand
Seeing the light fade

held in this cradle
Of memory and love



Kristin Moyer

March 3, 2022

I unzip the case, remove the dulcimer
Sleek and shining, walnut and redwood
Lay it on my lap, take up the pick

Strum the simple melodies from memory

The lone wild bird
Shenandoah
The ash grove
Amazing grace

And my dying friend in the bed 
Closes her eyes and smiles

“The lone wild bird in lofty flight”
I sing softly
“Is still with thee and in thy sight”

I never sang for you, dear mother, on your hospital bed
Or for you, dear father, dying alone in the nursing home

But I sing for my friend

“Great spirit come and rest in me.”