For Carolyn / Something Beautiful

When you and I were small
And ocean waves were high
You'd run across the sand
I'd cry, "Please wait for me!"

You waited patiently, without a sigh
Then hand in hand
We'd face each wave
We were so brave-- back then

Do you still wait beyond the wave
And can you hear my rhyme?
If so, I'll wait here on the sand
I promise to be brave
Just tell me when it's time
And hold my hand

As sad days go it was a bad one
She died way too soon
Her friends and her family gathered
Like rings around the moon

Everybody had a story
How she touched each life
She was a mom, a sister, an aunt, a volunteer
Grandmother, friend, a wife

Her poems and watercolors
Were lovingly displayed
Beach scenes and summer dreams
Never fade

Outside a breeze was swirling
The stars across the sky
Inside the grief washed over us
As we said good-bye

But she left something beautiful in her wake
As our spirits sink, our voices break
Her work remains for us to see
Her paintings and her poetry
She left something beautiful here on earth
We mourn her death, but celebrate her birth
She's on a journey we all will someday make
But look, she left something beautiful in her wake

As bad days go it was a sad one
Flowers ringed the room
Cousins greeted cousins they haven't seen
Since that wedding back in June

It was June of 1990
Amazing how time flies
We never seem to get together
Unless someone marries or someone dies

Remember all those baby pictures?
They're those teenagers over there
We secretly are thankful no nose rings
Or spiky purple hair

They do not remember us
But you know, that's okay
It's enough that we are here
And reconnecting today

She left something beautiful in her wake
They quietly cry, their young hearts ache
Her children's children, her legacy
With her paintings and her poetry
She left something beautiful here on earth
We mourn her death, but celebrate her birth
She's sailing where waves never break
And look, she left something beautiful in her wake

We have all gone home now
Back to the working grind
I can't help but think about
Those things we leave behind
As I sit in traffic
Pound the steering wheel
Inch along this highway
Pray my soul will heal

You've got to leave something beautiful in your wake
As you sail on for heaven's sake
Leave something good at the end of each day
To help us through, light our way

Leave something beautiful we can share
To make us glad that you are there
You may drift off course and make mistakes
But you can

Leave something beautiful in your wake
Keep your spirits up, whatever it takes
Leave something good at the end of the day
To help us through, to guide our way

Give us something beautiful we can share
To make us glad that you're still there
You may drift off course, and make mistakes
But you can still leave something beautiful in your wake

Leave something beautiful in your wake