What Thoughts, What Dreams, My Sister?

I wrote this for my sister who passed away last year

For Esther Payne (RIP. 13/7/2013)

Strange how life
passes out,
like breath, like light,
mostly unauthenticated,
untapped, unknown,
a mirror
for the feelings
of others,
their sorrows
and their loss.

But who was there to
speak for you
my sister?
For all those
stories behind your eyes?
The ones that defy cliches,
the real,
the hidden,
the true?

How many times
did you dream alone,
and wake to the dancing
shadows on your wall?
Pregnant with
all the uncertainties
that tomorrow brings?

I caught you once
in your bed, the trail
of a tear running fresh
as you looked
into my eyes,
took my hand
and squeezed it.
What thoughts?
What dreams?
My sister.


Eugene Donnini.