For Kim Leadbeatter

You didn’t just hold on
when they summoned up a storm
with their paymaster generals,
their hatred and hubris.

You didn’t just hold on,
you kept walking forward,
true and tall and strong,
a mast among wrecks.

You didn’t just hold on,
you delivered truth out loud
right to the winning post.
Your sister would be proud.
Harry Gallagher