you were not afraid to share your dreams

to show us how to be born from the dirt

and grow tall, stretching always towards the light.

you were the sister who told her truth

leaned on oaks and let the wind carry you.

i have reveled through your words

always holding them as gospel truths

and you have never swayed me in the wrong direction.

i am wiser because of you and through you-

i learned how to let the caged bird sing.