Holy Ground

It was an ordinary day,

until I turned on the news

and heard you were gone.

The CoOp had the usual people
sitting out front. There was a small line-up
at the post office.
Cars slowed, looking for
somewhere to park.

At your memorial, in the Legion basement,
people shared stories of you

with laughter and tears.

It can happen like that.

Anywhere we share stories,

grace flows between us.

Someone let your dogs into the room.

They ran about excitedly; we all smiled

in relief. Someone said, "Shannon,

if you're here, if you can hear us,

we miss you. We'll remember you
forever."

And just like that, suddenly, an ordinary day

becomes holy ground.

Inspired by Everyday Grace by Stella Nesanovich. The italicized lines are hers.