For my sister, who celebrated 40 years of living this weekend…

Furtive steps, confidant steps–
Echo their own sounds as
The longest corridors
See suffering and fulfillment.
Each fateful step follows another,
The honest end cannot pretend
It is something else.
Look for what makes you happy,
Recognize what makes you weep.
Somewhere in between–count stars,
Write long hand,
Fill your face with grace,
Breathe.