“Tiny Dancer”
-Written by Tiami Coleburg
Awakened by the faint glow of morning,
it draws me back from the night.
There I stood inside a vision,
another time and place.
Upon a stage of river rock,
you danced along the flowing water.
You pirouette in perfect time
with your friend's familiar stride,
the man we've shared these years.
Together you create a dance of joy,
so happy just to be.
He rises, facing the coming day,
now mixing with the dark of night.
In the rising veil of light, we see
that of which we can not speak,
our dancing girl is gone.
One more journey for our girl,
a tribute for all you gave,
your faith, your love, your joy.
Today we'll take you in our hearts,
to that time and place.
We stand alone at the waters edge,
to wash away our pain,
We bring you back a river rock,
a tiny dancing stage.
This poem was written after the loss of our Tessa. The day after her death we returned to the place she had learned to swim and spent many hours hiking along the rivers edge with us. The river rock still sits upon her tiny grave. Somewhere in time I believe she still dances by that river.
We love you Tessa.
“Last Gift”
-Written by Tiami Coleburg
Dedicated to Tessa
This poem was created during our last moments together on earth.
My friend,
can it be so many years have past?
How could parting have come so fast?
For this day arrives to soon.
Lying in my familiar arms,
your comforting cocoon,
so tired, you give a tiny sigh.
Cradled to my aching heart,
a little loving soul,
afloat within a feeble vessel,
that can no longer pay life's toll.
Sweet face to tear stained cheek,
I take in your warm breath with mine.
Emotions pull and tear,
at the fragile mask,
I've sought to wear.
Concealing doubts and fears,
they who'd have me weak,
adding burden, to what you bravely bare.
Preforming gently one last task,
you wash away my silent tears.
Seeking answers, my mind does ask
Do you feel my pain,
from this all to soon goodbye?
Do you sense my fear,
this is just not right?
Do I play God's part this night,
in your time brought battle?
I look deep into your eyes.
Once they wore such brilliant earthy color,
now faded at the hands of time,
shaded by a veil of pain.
But your gift,the light of love,
still brightly shines within.
It reaches to my heart and soul
with a message, so very clear.
"What is God, but love.
With us there is only love.
Now do you feel, he stands quite near.
For love has brought us here."
Softly I whisper,
"We love you, my friend.
I know you can not stay.
This is not the end,
we'll meet on this trail someday.
Yes Little one, we'll be alright.
Now run,
you run into the trail of light."
A little loving soul, gently slipped away.