Jenny’s Altar(ations)

Jenny’s in a coma
organs failing.

Sister of my friend
sister in law to another
and friend of my own.

Jenny.

No visitors allowed!
But heart and soul hear
blah blah blah
and make their way to her bedside
while this body stays put
panting pacing spilling.

Dusk arrives.
Worry and love walk me outside.
I look up
and see Jenny.

Jenny in the tall stand of eucalyptus trees.
In the pink and yellow light
coming through their branches.
And the particles of air surrounding.

Jenny was leaving, but not yet gone.

“I’m going inside Jenny!”
And fly up the stairs
fierce with single pointedness

to

light candles
burn resin
place symbols: earth, wind, water, wood and fire
pull tarot cards: six of water “Faith” floats to the top.

Dining room table becomes Altar.
The room fills with one word.

From bed
flames continue their flicker
while frankincense suspended, heavy
delivers the prayer
“We love you we love you we love you…
Do what you need to do”.

The sacred seeped from my walls
and countless other homes.
It overflowed and met in
One great field of Grace.
With all the stillness and
deep quiet
of winter’s first snowfall.

By morning, Jenny had awoken.

It haunts me.
The possibility of what
other miracles
took place that night
as love from around the world
became one with Jenny’s spirit.
When she blessed us all.

And was everywhere we looked.

Karen Anne Hayes is a newcomer to the Cape, but is not sure she should mention that.

A writer of prose and poetry, she uses the word to paint a panel of experience to which she would otherwise only be privy. And hopes that her renderings are of some benefit.

Teacher, practitioner of Chinese medicine, lover of travel, Zen meditation, cooking, gardening and photography, Karen feels blessed to be on the Cape where inspiration lurks in every direction.