Royal

Sometimes I can barely stand to look
The photos, the painting
Whatever form the still takes
It takes my breath
Stalls my heart for the moment

The fullness of the sensations felt
Thickness in the throat
Tightening of the plexus
Heat rising
The warning shot of grief

It will be my companion
Forever
A constant reminder of the absence of the physical you

As tears dry
Breath returns
Heart slows
It shifts

T’is joy in the remembering
The broad soft expanse of your back warm underneath my hand
Your breath mingled with mine
Soft curious together in time

Your mane off to one side
Thick, coarse, uneven
Eyes soft, full, knowing

Time with you stood still

Keeper of secrets
You knew it all
Held it
Created the space for the release

Safe, secure, full on trust

Too good for the hand of the youth who sometimes held harsher than was needed
Through the unknowing
Not yet aware that less is more
Strength not needed to hold you steady

Over time though as youth gave way to age and wisdom
The hands grew softer
The old ways gave way to the new
Knowing
A new partnership forged

T’is that I prefer to remember
The softness, stillness of the touch
Hand over the hide giving way to soothe

None before you or none after
Have what you had
Your eye into my soul
Together forever

Now at your rest the memory is all that is left
To hold, sustain, enable me to BE
In the moment and the majesty of YOU

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Gail Boone

After a long, diverse career, engaging with people and building relationships in a variety of roles, Gail decided to shift to an independent practice. Since 2010, she's focused largely on leadership and organizational development, working with individuals and teams.