Eulogy to the 6-Year Old Emily Kent

You died to save a turtle.
Your love broke even the turtle’s heart
Under the hard cover of protection.

You are the truest spelling bee,
Not for Appoggiatura,
But K-I-N-D-N-E-S-S instead.

Many of us fail to spell it correct.
Worst yet, we often utter K-I-L-L
From the depth of our mind.

Your kindness shook the Panhandle State.
Even the reckless driver must stop for you,
But not before you were mortally wounded.

Your kindness spoke to the heavens.
Even your guardian angel must be summoned
Before the Almighty’s throne.

It was supposed to one more act of kindness
In the very long six years of a sweet girl.
It was final, brutally final.

A tender-hearted girl rich in loving kindness
Ran toward a turtle inching on Rt.41.
In my memory you are still running.

(2005/6/9)