For Kay

Kay is the facilitator of our meditation group at the Oakland, California VA psychiatric clinic.
She is a gifted and healing person.


For Kay

I saw in your profile not
merely a clinician,
but a person,
a woman in
our group where
the Spirit is present.

My first glance mesmerized me.
Reticent to stare,
I gazed quickly at you
and away.
Then I returned that gaze
to the radiance of
your person.

Your head
tilted
slightly,
in the subdued
light of our spiritual room and
in the saddness of that day
you listened—
intensely listened—
as Theo spoke of Kevin
and Kevin’s death.

Your gaze did not waver
as your hand,
or just your fingers, rested
lightly on your cheek.
Your hair gently
cascaded
down
allowing view of only the profile—
the front of
your face—
forehead,
eyes,
nose,
mouth,
chin;
A profile in transparency emitting
sensitivity,
care,
compassion,
love.

My glances grew longer, my
mesmerization increased,
your spirit
evident:
in the midst of us, your presence is
beauty.