IF

If

I

can

still

write

I

am.

Writing and sharing poetry is one of the great joys of my life, although I have not been writing much lately. These days there is much more to do to keep things going and the time to write is elusive. In 2007 I published a book of poetry and IF was among them. The Flamekeeper And Other Poems is now out of print so from time to time I will publish some of the poems here.

Here is the leading poem-for Markie.

The Flame Keeper

It burns brightly,

the pilot light

in each of us,

and brighter still

the sparks ignited

between us

when sweet love,

family and friendship

are present,

another pilot

to guide us safely

home,

a north star

to accompany us

on the journey

so its never

completely dark.

And yet, there are

so many ways

the light grows dim

and fades away,

or is snuffed out

in an instant.

Life and spirit

precious

and sweet

yet so fragile-

a candle

in the night, burning lower,

and lower,

once oh so bright

it flickers, making

long shadows

on the wall.

There are those

who tend the flame,

who shield it with

their hands

cupped round,

or block the wind

with their own

bodies and souls,

who lovingly and carefully

keep the flames alive.

They whisper words of hope

and tell it like it is—

they dare the unthinkable,

they call,they write

they hold on so

the flame keeps burning,

no matter what.

They catch the

essence ebbing

and breath life back

into it again.

They keep the

family together

and the dear friends

from getting lost.

They may waver,

but touching heart

and soul together

they hold your hand

and walk you home.

They are the

flame keepers,

and they

are blessed.

Judith AB Lee

Last week l was able to visit New York (Brooklyn) and Connecticut and Maryland once again. It was a whirlwind tour but it was wonderful to touch home soil once again.

Laura now lives in Sheepshead Bay, her happiest stop in a long journey. Waterford Houses there is an Orthodox Jewish Community and she is home! Her roommate is Catholic and they are best buddies now though her visits from Danielle are her lifeline- and our visit once a year or so, of course!

Then we went to the main event in Hartford Ct to honor Judy Beaumont who had a building named after her for her accomplishments in housing for the homeless and low income in Hartford. Beaumont Lofts is at 102 Pliny Street where she was the Executive Director of My Sisters Place for many years before moving to Fort Myers and continuing her work with the homeless here with me.

Ruth Weiner was instrumental in the original MSP 2 with Judy Beaumont and in naming it after her now. Thank you Ruth!

Felice lived at 102 Pliny as a small child and she also became our loving God Child. She loved her GodMom Judy B so much and was so glad to help honor her with her son.

Christy King and Stacey Miles were two of the first women helped at My Sisters Place. Judy and l had a group called Successful Women and both were in it. Stacey came to honor Judy as well. We were so blessed!

Senator Blumenthal honored her as well and remembered her well from earlier meetings,

It was my greatest honor to assist in Judy’s Memorial. Thank you Annette Scheidecker and all who made this a beautiful Dedication of Beaumont Lofts,

Thank you all for honoring Rev. Judy Beaumont, RCWP. Judy was ordained a priest in 2012 but her whole life was one of service and love.

Special thanks to Marilyn Rondeau who made this whirlwind tour possible. I am so blessed!

Being in Maryland with my extended family makes me know deeply that l still have a home.

Thanks Be to God!

Blessings to all, Pastor Judy Lee

July 5,2024