Letters
To Jennifer
Dear Jennifer,
I’m writing to you who will never receive my letter. You, who are too far away ever to meet. But not too far to respect and love.
Your sacrifice wounded me when I was young, and for many long years I couldn’t face it. And now that I remember, I can hardly bear it. You journeyed from darkness to light, and it colored every day of your life. Your strength and courage made you a heroine I’ll never forget. Your light shone in the darkness of your world, and now it shines in the darkness of my heart.
The cheap things of this world fall away when I see you, because what you did and who you were show me that there’s a better, richer way than a low slinking through life. You bore the weight of the darkness and carried on, even when your past found you out. Could I ever be that strong? I don’t know. But you give me hope because someone was that strong: you.
And now the world is much darker because you’re gone. And after nearly four decades I’m only beginning to tend to the wound you left in my heart. You, who left when we needed you most. You may never again brighten this world with your presence, but your light will forever shine in my heart, and may God give me the strength and care to help keep your flame alive. For just maybe your light will shine through those who loved you, and you’ll continue to bring good to others, just as you did in your short but precious life.
Sincerely,
J. R. Clark