I store you inside me
under a blanket of pearls
They lie strung together
as my history unfurls
Each one to unstring
when I need it the most
Your wisdom translucent
your memory my host
You loved me before
I ever knew who I was
My freedom you shepherd
reaching down from above
Though years have grown distant
they forever remind
Of your goodness and blessings
—Oh Catherine of mine
(Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2018)