dedicated to Audrey Neu

 

dream at dawn takes shape during the night

cascading into patterned diamonds of delight

*

colors and hues lend tone to the day

creating a fabric of generosity in her kindhearted ways

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inspiration guiding the imagination–buttering her knife

village squares extending into a pattern of life

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the triangle design –God, you and me–

woven in and out with the needle you see

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taking the abstract into the concrete

concern for others is her mystique

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offering furniture to the immigrants

opening her pocketbook and lending a hand

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creating time to listen to those in need

community minded…the song in her deeds

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sharing laughter inside out

colors of caring painted in cloth

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nurtured by her love of God with little fear

onward she prods, strength layered through the years

*

joy and faithfulness are her threads

as she tends to the hostas in her garden bed

 

 

The two quilts pictured above were sewn by Audrey. She has created over 100 quilts after  45 years of being a Principal and Teacher in the Catholic Schools in Milwaukee, WI. Each year she creates a quilt for the House of Peace in Milwaukee. Each quilt takes about 3 months to complete.

This poem is a small gift to Audrey for all the help and support she has given me through the years and mostly, for her friendship!  Her grandmotherly like kindnesses to my children and grandchildren were pure gift! Thank you, Audrey!