7. For Adelle, August 15,

by Jack Foley

always your birthday,
unforgettable
though seven years
have passed
since
you were in the world.
my thoughts
turn towards you
as they often do.
I was praised today
as I have been
often recently.
I’m grateful
but there was a time
when praise of me
had to be
praise of you
as well.
today,
on your birthday,
I remember you
especially.
how many times
we celebrated
this day.
we come into
the world,
we leave it,
but there is
a shining, a sun
some leave behind —
and a bird, a soul
climbs towards that sun.

[Adelle Foley (1940 –2016)]