Dove Francesca

I wrote this poem the day after my beloved wife Fran died on December 12th in Palermo. I read it at a memorial service celebrating her life in Dunkirk, NY on December 22nd. I am now back in Sciacca, a place that she loved dearly.

The word Dove in the title is the Italian word 'Dove', pronounced 'dové ', and it means 'where is.

DOVE FRANCESCA

Dove Francesca
She is at Sunset point
Watching the waves crash into
The ancient mill wheel mine
And waiting for sunset
Looking out over Selinunte

Dove Franci
She is in her garden
Helping bring dead plants to life
And live plants to flower

Dove Franca
She is snorkeling
At Baia Renella Beach
Playing with the fish
And wondering why
Everyone else
Just stands knee deep

Dove Chicha
She is on her terrace
Watching the lights and the clouds
The moon and the stars
The sun rising
Or just reading a book

Dove Chich
She is in my heart
And the hearts of her children
Always there
While we miss her physical self

Dove Francine
She is with all of us.

R Stevan Jonas