Dick Epstein, poet
Betty Hafner, artist

Out of ash and dust
I rise each night
to take my place
above this city.

No one can see me
except you, the artist,
who painted me; and
now you, who read this.

I, soul of Spain and Cree,
appear each night
on this holy place.
Without my presence

many of you will not
know of compassion
and serenity. Proudly
I assume this fate.

With the strength
I draw from you,
I remain each night
above this city.

Dick Epstein
Inspired by Betty Hafner’s drawing “West Coast Madonna”