My high school friend has lost her mate, I hear,
two months ago. Her email yesterday
announced his death. Residing nowhere near
we lived when young, exchanging words the way
we do now (twice a year some birthday news),
and knowing he was over 99,
I don’t leap to condolence she can’t use.
She loved him long and well and will be fine.

They’d months to ready for his graceful death.
She’s now had weeks adjusting to the space
he occupied before his final breath,
surrounding now no body she’ll embrace.
I know her nature, understand her soul.
My friend will transit through this passage whole.