After Daniel passed away in 1997, Carole wrote a series of poems based on her memories of him and her grief at his passing.

 

Cello Recital

 

The floor of your room is still pitted

From the cello's end pin
I pull back the rug
To see the signature of your devotion
To remember your calloused finger tips
How even when you listened to a record
You bent your right arm up into a cello's neck
And fingered the bone with your left hand

 

The first time you came home

From the conservatory

You wanted to perform a Bach Suite

A gift to us and our friends

We turned the couch sideways

Put out folding chairs

There weren't enough to go around

 

How still and erect you sat
Your back to the window
Bathed in winter sun
Hands resting on thighs
Eyes closed
Lips compressed

 

Then you raised the bow
Slashed the strings
With startling violence
Waves broke against the shore
Again and again and again
Leaving behind
The bare smooth stone
Of your love

 

How delicately the bow rested in
Your relaxed hand
Threads of horse hair
Trailed like motes of light
Sweat glistened on your brow
You labored
Giving birth

To heart rending sweetness

 

At the final note
You raised the bow again
Your hand slow
Reluctant in its ascent
As if you could not bear
To end

 

You sat swaying
Immolated

Noteless melody flowing from you
Filling the silent, breathless room
No one dared
Profane this moment
With applause

 

So it is with your brief life
After the last chords
We remain transfixed
The sound of you
Continuing forever