To Helen (Poem )

The heavens opened to welcome her,
as she lay reposed on her final earthly bed -
a destined sleep, deserved.
Surrounded by bouquets of love and memories,
rains ceased to pepper the chapel's rooftop,
clouds dispersed to allow a ray of sunshine
to filter through stained glass windows
touching her journeyed face.

Ave Maria! Maiden mild!
Listen to a maiden's prayer!
Thou canst hear though from the wild
Thou canst save amid despair
Safe may we sleep beneath thy care,
though banished, outcast and reviled -
Maiden! hear a maiden's prayer;
Mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

The heavens opened and welcomed her.