Flight of a Phoenix
Farewell Fair Leslie
By: Charles Giuliano - Apr 18, 2019
Flight of a Phoenix
Families are monuments
Ancient massive structures
Supported by cornerstones
Propping up dynasties
Piled high on bedrock
Each generation has them
Mom was our matriarch
The Chief as Brother called her
Cracking a whip
Keeping all in line
Inspiration to our women
As was fair Leslie
With a more gentle touch
A flick here and there
Herding one and all
An endearing manner
Warm and loving
As I came to know
Working on Nugent book
Our Rockport ancestors
Her interest and support
Such wonderful emails
Jo Rita was another
So missed by her brothers
Pip does that for our branch
Reminding us how
Watching in stunned anguish
Just before Leslie passed
How richly prophetic
A venerable cathedral
Symbol of her faith
Engulfed in flame
Came tumbling down
As in Pip’s tender tribute
A delicate watercolor
Conflating daunting losses
Noting the poetic irony
How then to rebuild
When reduced to cinders
Ashes to be scattered
Dust to dust
Who will come forward
Next Atlas propping up
Our shattered world
Both global and personal
Another matriarch perhaps
Maid of the mist
Emerging from shadows
Full of grace
Pulling us together
Inspiring young and unborn
Brave sanguine champion
Pride of high noon
Taking to the field
Quotidian conflict
Whether daunting or mundane
Wearing traditional colors
Brandishing ancient escutcheon
Waving the grand faloon
Our raucous Celtic clan
Having won the day
Leslie go softly now
Into that good night