Disappeared

Two friends disappeared this year.

One retired and died in the winter. The other retired and died in the summer.

Anne was kind, gentle, soft-spoken. Always a smile to share.

Dawne was fierce, powerful, tough. With wisdom to pass on to others.

They are gone now.

In my retirement, opportunities are waiting for me.

I can become a foster parent, providing a welcoming home for vulnerable children.

This would make Anne happy.

I have been accepted into the University of Surrey in England where I can earn my law degree. I can fight for human rights.

Dawne would approve.

I can do anything I want.

Perhaps nothing for a while.

I will celebrate my stupid luck. I am alive.

In my retirement I will try to honour these women.

Disappeared from sight.

But always in my heart.        

                           

School's out.

©Conni Cartlidge, 2015