After all these years

after all these prayers

after all these poems

and tears – 

After all the broken pieces

have been gathered near – 

After wisdom granted

and serenity known

after acting in faith

and being shown – 

And even after accepting it all

as the path that will guide me home – 

 I still have to ask

too many times – 

Why? 

Why does it have to be this way?

And the answer comes – 

just as before

when I knew nothing

and Jeanne had the answers

when I was trapped 

and Steve gave me the key

when I was lost 

and Paul led the way – 

They all now know also 

what escapes me today

the answer to that “Why?” – 

I suppose I gain comfort

in knowing this about them

when I am with them once again

so will I.