David Radavich

Homage

For those who suffered
without anyone’s knowing

for those who worked
entirely in anonymity

saving the desperate, soothing the dying,
fertilizing the earth, making accomplishment

of others shine, invisibly,

I want to
devote a few words.

A prayer.

I’m sorry I could not
thank you.

I’m sorry your sacrifice
was known only to the eyes of night.

I’m sorry you didn’t
get to hand-deliver your story.

Let that be another mystery
we bow to in the sun.

Let those of us who walk
stumble a moment in your name.

May our blinking
bring more clarity.

May the spirits of those who cried out
fill our cities and migrating hills

with a chorus of remembrance,
arc of honking and waving

a brief testament
in time.

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