In early November of last year, we lost one of the dearest members of The BeZine Team, our founder and editor, G. Jamie Dedes. Jamie was a huge inspiration to all of us; always a soft, gentle and encouraging voice who gave us the courage to write and the faith to succeed. One of my favorite poems of hers is this one, where she speaks to us about spirit’s immortality. Despite the tears, I know she’s close. I can hear her enthusiastic, “Poem on!” and I know she will always be with us.
One Lifetime After Another
one day, you’ll see, i’ll come back to hobnob
with ravens, to fly with the crows at the moment
of apple blossoms and the scent of magnolia ~
look for me winging among the white geese
in their practical formation, migrating to be here,
to keep house for you by the river …
i’ll be home in time for the bees in their slow heavy
search for nectar, when the grass unfurls, nib tipped ~
you’ll sense me as soft and fresh as a rose,
as gentle as a breeze of butterfly wings . . .
i’ll return to honor daisies in the depths of innocence,
i’ll be the raindrops rising dew-like on your brow ~
you’ll see me sliding happy down a comely jacaranda,
as feral as the wind circling the crape myrtle, you’ll
find me waiting, a small gray dove in the dovecot,
loving you, one lifetime after another.
~ © 2016 G. Jamie Dedes
Below is my own, small tribute to this unforgettable woman who lifted us all.

~ For Jamie ~
Gracious guide to my muse inside,
Joy lifted me every time we spoke.
Always so humble, yet beatified,
Mentor, mother, how our hearts broke
In two when we learned you’d be leaving.
Ever strong, you gently eased our grieving.
Dauntless, you waged fierce peace for us all.
Encouraged, blessed each effort we penned,
Delivered your maestro’s clarion call,
Even now, your love remains, without end.
Slip peacefully into the Bardo, Dear Friend…
~ © 2020 C.L.R.