Then the moment came
it was time for her to go.

We lingered near each other, outside
feeling the warmth from a fire
that wasn't quite present anymore
but wasn't really gone

I kissed her, softly
a surprise
which should have been startling but
really was simple
and taken as such
she looked at me and said
maybe you will find a wind
that will take you away from all of this

I leaned in and whispered
there are people and places
that I do not yet want to leave-
but it was time for her to go
and so she did.

I went back inside
and looked around
and thought about a house, a home
what it means
and I saw my grandmother in my mind
smiling, and full of beans
and happy to play her part for me
watching in joy as time rolled on
and left her there, in the story that
has no end

she said: do you want me to do your corn for you?
Meaning, give me my due, make up my serving
make me part of the supper of life...

I ran back, quickly, outside
to see if Kate was still there
though she would not be

I wanted her to be the one
that would do my corn for me
be with me, in the small moments when we make tea
and dish up the evening meal
a small small kiss
endlessly important, that
comes and goes
and choose to stave off,
at least for now
the calling of the wind
that will take all this away