UNFAIR

by Kelly Cherry

 

 

We know that life’s inherently unfair.           
Some are rich, some are poor, some brilliant,
Some slow, some healthy, some in need of care.
And some enjoy long lives while we lament
Those who die young. Okla Elliott,
Born into poverty, wrote four books,
Read a library, and learned one helluva lot,                          
Learned cities and campuses, mountains and brooks.
He shared his knowledge with his numerous friends.

Then he died, a heart attack in his sleep.
It was much too soon for a beginning to end.
I, as one friend, wanted to rail and weep.

We remind ourselves he does not know he died.                  
Our memories of him remain alive.

 

    

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