Parallel (For Karen) Poem by r james sterzinger

Because we were parallel,
We had spent days
Together. Holding hands
And giggles.

Because we were
Parallel, we swam
In the river, did things
That scared the fishes.

Because we were parallel,
We argued and
Bickered, only a little. (We
Made up a lot.)

Because we were
Parallel, we cheated
At cards just the same
And cut our enemies with
Sarcasm.

Because we were parallel
You were as much
My mother's daughter as I
Was her son.

Because we were
Parallel your tears
Became my tears as I watched
You slip away.

Now that you are
Parallel with the earth so
Someday I shall be,
A thousand miles away-
Content to be parallel
With you,
And the earth,
Not with the distance.

Because we are parallel
I will follow
You there too.
You see,
I am afraid of death,
No longer.

'Cast a cold eye On life, on death. Horseman, pass by! '
William Butler Yeats