By Tom O’Malley
Your house is finally open now
No walls to interfere
With the sweeping winds of change
And the storm of ideas you found
Here — so long ago.
Now
Your roof is the endless sky
Of succulent colors
Filtered through the breath
Of patient
Trees
And the hidden language of birds
Who love to gather by your open
Door
And sing you to wakefulness.
So fitting here
Where we stand silent
Receiving the welcome blessing
Of your words
And the life you still live
In us.
Tom O’Malley is an adjunct professor of English at Canisius College.