Such sorrow is directed at the reader in this piece, Chris. "...yet silently denying that as always Destiny has the final say" ... and your ending completely reeled me in, along with the "Mia Farrow smile." Yes, we cannot trick destiny, but sometimes our final say is made through others. I think you said it well.

Such a loving tribute to someone you had the chance to know both on and off this site, when poets connect it is truly kismet. Survivors for however long destiny allows teach us all something about how to live each day as if a gift and what a gift to get to be a part of a life like that...thank you for your insight and your poetry and sharing your friendship with us. smh

Though expressions of condolence are appropriate, losing someone close hurts! The sadness at the loss is real although the deceased is far better off. You've written it most eloquently.

"Destiny has the final say". No truer words were ever written. A loving tribute, which brought tears to my eyes.

Still saddened by the event I feel the love in and the beauty of your words here, Chris.

A perfect elegy, Chris. You were indeed lucky to know her "in person". Thanks for sharing this.

It is strange how the ones taken always have the same face, and it is always beautiful and unique never to be replaced. I had my Mia Farrow as well Chris and I understand. My heart bleeds at the reading of these words.

Thank you for sharing this piece, Chris. It is truly beautiful -Kat.

Thank you for sharing your sweet perspective, and you're so right, what is said when there is a loss of such a friend offers only illusory comfort, the kind that evaporates as soon as we reach into it for substance. Love to you.

The immediacy and the details here move us right next to you and with her then. Perfectly conveyed, both the "hocus pocus" and the "nowhere equal". Heightens awareness of how fragile how precious...

I think you have captured well the inevitablity of this death and how hard it is to see innocence and goodness snuffed out in an instant. Destiny does rule in the key matters that we cannot control: birth and the necessity of death. I like the poem's sincerity and how it rings true. We fear the reality around the corner and no matter how much preparation we make for it, we always are shocked.

Oh my God, Chris. Until I read your poem and some of the comments I didn't even realize that she had died. I am stunned and numb. Your poem helps some. But I am going to have to process this. What a loss. I feel lost right now. Blessings to you, my friend and to all others who knew and loved Maureen.

Very touching, sad... Sorry for your loss...

Hi Chris, Yes, she was a lovely lady. I'm so glad you knew in person. So sorry for your loss of a special friend. We all miss Maureen very much. This is a Beautiful tribute for her. I missed this one before. Lots of Hugs.

That's she is a lovely lady. The day of the news, tears were flowing, along with the others. Still can't believe she's gone.

"it was then I realized
all the hocus pocus
about how she’s in a better place
still with us in everything we do
could nowhere equal
you sitting across from me"

You've put into words what I've felt so many times when loved ones have passed. Thank you.