Sophie

You have died leaving
a hollow hole in my heart.
Your portrait is mirrored
against the fading twilight.
President John F. Kennedy stated,
“Life isn’t fair,” and yours
certainly wasn’t.
With all your family killed
in World War II, you lived
in the bombed-out ruins
of Germany as a child,
Hungry and without warm clothing,
the Americans came and gave you
food and a warm coat, and you
decided you would come to
America someday. At fourteen,
you worked in a factory to
save the money. However your life
in America did not fulfill
your dreams, and it ended with
Parkinson’s and lung cancer
that ate into your spine and bones.
A good part of the world believe
in reincarnation. Having paid all
your bad karma in this life,
I see you returning as
a German Princess,
shrouded in fine clothes,
an enchanting smile on your face,
surrounded with an adoring
crowd of admirers. You will have riches,
but I already have had mine,
the richness and beauty of your love
and the warmth of your friendship.
Travel well my friend on your new journey.
Perhaps we will meet again.
Destiny remains the unknown factor.