I walk in her footsteps
No formal gardens here
Surrounding her cottage, Val-Kil,
But nature as plain and solid
And unadorned as she was

On a bridge crossing a stream
The gurgling water reminds me
Through the cycle of nature
Somehow we are all connected

Can I conjure from this place
What was part of her,
Those things that make us “kindred spirits”
Working for peace, human rights,
Taking a stand when others shy away

Did the splendor of the Fall
Remind her, too, that winter is nigh
No time to waste when the world
So desperately needs healing.

Will this tranquil, silent landscape
Give way to a voice as shrill as hers
To speak the words of peace
When no one else will?

I ponder her question…
“When will our consciences grow so
tender that we will act to prevent human
misery rather than to avenge it?”

It frightens me to have these thoughts
A price must be paid to own them
But her words ring out in my being
“Courage is more exhilarating than fear
And in the long run easier.”

Do I dare to walk in her footsteps?