By Kilee Rheinsburg

ABOUT THE PIECE

This poem was written in room six of a Providence ICU, to my grandmother, in February of 2024. Today she died, and a new version poured forth as I woke from looming grief. This is a snippet into our secret language that crosses time, space and realms. This love note is to Sue, to me, and to us all.

Section Styles split-left sticky

moon

every time we are we, i learn something new of you
i breathe deep to honor you, and listen to you within me

nest, you say.
plant yourself in a field of iris’
rich with purple and silver beards.
wait for night to come and lift your eyelids upon the valley rim
every time, i’ll meet you there.

every time we are we, i see something new of you
my heart opens wider to expand realms with you within me

walk, you whisper.
drench yourself in the forest
thick with slick leaf and huckleberries
ready yourself for open winds that shake the trees and leaves above
every time, i’ll sing to you

every time we are we, i feel something new of you
i surrender to the unknown, dancing with you within me

lift, you offer.
dance in the orchard upon our hill
abundant in gold grass and heavy apples
listen to drum of your steps upon the sacred earth
every time, i’ll move with you

________________________________

we are we in-between the we we’ve known
seeking you, i know it’s within
that you’ll find me as steadily as i’ll find you
i take a breath as you take your last.

exhale, i say.
ascend to your rightful rest
hued with pearled light and open sky
lay upon the field of iris’ i planted just for you

i wait, as i am.

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ARTIST:

KILEE RHEINSBURG

Kilee Rheinsburg is a classically trained theater artist, dreamer, and creative based in Portland Oregon. Born and raised in the Rogue Valley, she spent her childhood running wild through eastern deserts and pear orchards, falling deeply for the golden valley and its women who raised her.

A true gemini, she embraces many forms. A loving daughter. A beam of sunlight. A poet. A kindred spirit to every hummingbird she meets. A favorite neighbor. A most beloved wife and friend. A life force of creativity and kindness. You’ll often find her laughing deeply with her partner in crime, dreaming about what comes next.