we all go, even Anna
dressed in subdued colors
wrapped against the chill
swept in from the mountains

we go to a small country church
in a tiny valley town
where Paula grew up
and they lay her to rest
on a hilltop that overlooks
the Shenendoahs

in this place
I can feel such peace
even through the tears
and the sorrows around me
and though I cry for Paula
inside
I am aching to take
this peace with me
when I go