THE SEASONED ONES

The seasoned ones are leaving

They didn’t survive for so long by being fools

They did everything right; the best they knew how

This time is so horribly cruel

The seasoned ones are leaving

Those who valued community; saved and invested

They sacrificed so that others could soar

They planned, worked, and prayed while others rested

The seasoned ones are leaving

They were the vessels of our history; our stories; our secrets

They were the mirrors of our futures and health 

They were our heroes, counselors and truth tellers; our safety nets

The seasoned ones are leaving

Are they being snatched away every day, or rescued from pain to come?

Is this loss evil and cruel, or divine and compassionate? 

Are there any, among those who remain, quite like the seasoned ones?

VRWc2020