This is a very personal remembrance of a lady whom I knew (and worked with) for all too short a period of time (1976 to 1992), but who was all the things mentioned in the poem, and many more.

She was an artist of some considerable renown in the Science Fiction/Fantasy Fandom and Convention area, running the Art shows, and she was the kind of person for whom you would do almost anything, but she was "just there," until one day, she wasn't, any more.

I might also mention that at the funeral, in the 9 days following her death while she was attending a Convention, the e-mail which had been received, when printed out,  (close spaced, and in compressed typeface, without headers), was almost 3-inches in depth, and had come from Fans, Authors, and other Artists, all over the world.  A much-beloved lady.

 

I invite your comments.

 

Kliah Denise  <sniff>

                                 MEMORIES   OF   A   FRIEND

 

                                                       Elizabeth  Claire  Pearse

 

                                                           07 March, 1929 - 19 May, 1990

 

With silvered hair and Heart of Gold,

With love and understanding,

You touched our lives so many ways,

And suggested, "You're not trying."

 

        A mother, you were best friend, too,

        Your wisdom was our Standard,

        We tried, and when we finished all,

        You said, "You can do better."

 

A smile, a voice, a helping hand,

You gave us new direction,

To do our best, and not give up,

But travel ever onward.

 

        An Artist with a flair for Hope,

        Your paintings breathed and shimmered,

        Of all you did, and all you said,

        I say, "I'll try to follow."

 

We saw Akela, strong and wise,

Our leader, and our comrade,

Life's difficulties would, you said,

Just make us that much stronger.

 

        A quiet strength you showed to all,

        Your mind composed and balanced,

        All problems were but motes of dust,

        That keep your thoughts in order.

 

"What is it you are waiting for?,"

"Perhaps the Second Coming?,"

You wanted progress right away,

And made sure that we knew it.

 

        Imperatives you laid on us,

        To make our working better,

        In every way, on every day,

        Your heart and love grew stronger.

 

"Get off the Pot!" you said to us,

"Do something more constructive."

You could not ever stand to see,

A talent going downward.

 

        One day, I'll see your ginger eyes,

        And that will be a blessing,

        For now, I'll try just passing on,

        The kind of help you gave us.

 

We love you, and we miss you, too,

But nothing lasts forever,

Your love we knew, but now, we know,

Your tasks seek new surroundings.

 

        If I could have just one more hour,

        I think I'd pass the Honour,

        For others need you more, just now,

        And you must help them, also.

 

We have a memory of love,

To carry with us, always,

A touch of Other-worldly Grace,

Unlike all other knowledge.

 

        Queen of our hearts, we Honour you,

        And hope that in the future,

        We may ourselves be such as you,

        To others in our lifetimes.

 

You left us for a better place,

Your new life growing stronger,

But still, I hear your sage advice,

"Let it be a Challenge to you!"

 

                SHAI   DORSAI !

 

                                Kliah Denise Mott

                                November, 1993.