for Marsha
Picking through the limited grocery store selection
Needing to find a birthday card for a friend
Faced with a choice between pleasing artwork and words
My partner decided that the words are more important
It's the thought that counts as they say
So almost any card would be welcome
Acknowledging the sisterly bond between them
Forged in their personal and political history
Knowing each other for so many years
Working together to organize demonstrations
Leading comrades in the struggle for liberation
Dedicating their lives to making a revolution
In a lifetime marked by celebrations and also setbacks
By hopeful developments and also reactionary repression
By the rising tide of advances and also the ebb of retreat
It takes a special person to remain an enthusiastic optimist
Not having seen the card inside its envelope yet
My words no doubt are very similar to what is there
Sharing a common vocabulary of heartfelt well wishes
Appreciating our continuing connection with her
