People are like stained-glass windows.
They sparkle and shine when the sun is out,
but when the darkness falls,
their true beauty is revealed only
if there is a light from within.
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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Light From Within (For Lorna)

my friend, cancer got you
DAMN IT: you had it beat
for seven years
at least.

how did it come back?
Why
all that pain.
Again.

(every survivor’s worst
failure.)

And you, a winner, a fighter:
you fought me over and over
with tears and words and promises.

you fought for me
with honesty and a light so bright
it hurts my heart.

sweet Lorna.
at peace now
finally
no more battles,
no more fears:
just lingering light
from within.

11/3/99