When she passed I decided on what the life of the pauper might be,
And I sidestepped the travelled road where each step is a pass ;
My cancerous sister taught me to be thankful for what I haven’t got.

A purse contains my patience, grim hope really, made of pebbles
I collect in France and leave on a slab in Miami. That is how I paid my way –
So far – and how I will pay my way forward from November to November.

Image credit : Martin Usborne