The world seems empty now,
solemn and still as a sacred vow.
The light which glanced from face to face
whenever her bright presence graced
gatherings of family and friends
joined like prayer beads end-to-end,
with voices raised in unbroken rhythm
which began like prayer and ended in hymn.
Such music we made as she led the chorus.
All she did, she willingly did for us.
How blessed we have been to have her near
for so many days of her ninety-five years.
The world now seems a colder place.
Yet, she still surrounds us with her warm grace.
annarino writes 