Eleni Rallis

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. –St. John 11:16Lelli opened the door.
Roberto was out back
sitting in the sun
where the birds were.
Juan said, Don’t get up,
I’ll sit on the grass.
It’s good to be back,
California is growing
like . . . He slid from
cancer  to silence,
Roberto ended it
with cancer, smiling
grimly. Lelli’s arms
were around him,
head resting on one
shoulder, dark hair
falling over his neck.
Juan saw she was still
the lady he first knew.
Age was as kind to her
as it was to Adore.
Roberto was training
the young man Adore
had given succor,
providing a place
to sleep, loving him
like her own, of whom
he was her only, ever.
He learned very fast,
Roberto assured Juan.
Let’s go fishing!
Juan replied. He was
eager to settle back in.
So they did. Caught
nothing. Over dinner
Lelli laughed
her old laugh: Greek
laughter as ebullient
as Greek sadness
is wrenching.

(28 July 2011)

copyright 2011 by Floyce Alexander