10,000 Hours

10,000 hours I have missed you,

And 10,000 more,

And 10,000 more.

I light candles and incense,

And gaze upon your image,

And remembrances of your life.

Buddhas, sitting near you,

Gaze serenely, eyes closed,

Into a timeless expanse,

Of birth and death,

Of love and loss.

Dragons, your spirit animals and protectors,

Guard your precious memories,

Symbolizing the wisdom, ferocity,

The dignity and the strength,

That so deeply defined you.

Wolves, spirit animal of your mother,

Howl beside you,

Their lovely, haunting song,

Mirroring the melody of my heart.

Beloved,

You still travel with me,

and I so often call upon your courage,

To sustain me,

Through fire and darkness.

You endure.

Bestowing such beauty on my life,

That I laugh and weep,

Burst with sorrow and joy,

And always, eternally,

You give me a gratitude I never dreamed

Of knowing.

For all that you were,

All that you are,

And all that you continue to be.