The poetic city: A suite for Miss Helen, “Letting Go 8/6/12”

Miss Helen bringing the joy of dance to all around her. (Photo by Richard Eager)

A Suite for Miss Helen: Letting Go 8/6/12

It’s not getting any easier to leave Miss Helen.

When it’s time for me to go she clings with eyes that tear at my heart

and force me to harden up.

So I explain in words she no longer understands,

“I have to go, but I will be back soon.”

I know there will never be enough for Miss Helen.

There never was enough for her, who could dance all night

and never call it a night until the night was done.

I couldn’t keep up with Miss Helen then; I can’t now …

But now when I leave, she is forced to relinquish

the euphoria of dance for the nowhere of dementia.

How much to give? When is too much enough?

By what gauge does one measure the limit?

What determines the proper balance between self and other?

Somewhere on the moral compass there must a point …

A point of equality between self and other

Where each is accorded its due…

And the pull of the Absolute Good

Is in concert with surrender to Absolute Trust.

__________

© Reece Burka 2/1/2019