China eye, delicate and expressive,
thin frame, slight stature.
Resilient survivor of metallic threat.
Easy laugh and mischievous smile.
Welcoming arms always ready for hug or dance.

Your eager soft voice searching, hungering
after knowledge of language, contact, friendship and the
sight of your husband off in distant Colorado.
(Always so happy when he comes home.)
Conversations of history, love, people,
injustices of a society that won't listen to those who can't speak.

All these will I miss
as the necessity for departure grows.

- dedicated to Sui Ling Jiang (co-worker).