What is this thing in my chest?
Is it a heart? Or is it my soul
Beating out the rhythm of my ways?
Reminding me of all the beauty that paints my life,
Keeping my blood winding through my body,
inspiring every step and every breath,
So I can inhale the magic of the trees and freshly cut grass, glistening with the morning's love.

Or is it you?
Reminding me of your presence,
enveloping me like a familiar bathrobe that cradles my memory and soothes my aches away.

You, whose life was a challenge, a dare to all to exceed everyone's greatest expectations.
To leave the marsh and return with vigor and vim,
Ready to wrestle all the demons and naysayers.
No need for limbs,
your strength is in your eyes, your chuckle, and your brilliant, odds-defying brain.

I want you to guide me and light my path, but you're too wise and far too patient.
Instead, you walk beside me,
Letting me discover how to pick myself up after a stumble.
Oh, how I wish you'd take my hand, but you know best.
Drummer of my life, accompanying my rhythm with the solidity of your soul,
Comforting me even as your memory brings tears to my eyes
and a smile in my heart (oh! there it is!)
Buried within this armor of mine.

I hear your quiet chuckle as you whisper "aw, shoot" and shake your head in amusement and transcendent love.