Afternoon – Page 53

Vacation

last minute details
awhirl with activity
all before we leave
–
fog rolling in
light rain falling
obscuring the jetway

sailing the narrows
navigating the graveyards
of nameless seamen
–
rising tide-
waves break
on hidden shoals

dwelling in the past-
bricked up in this house of pain
my arm, my jailer
–
a wasp’s sting-
repeated lies
no longer told

stalled at the crossroads
the future hinging upon
a stranger’s kindness
–
canna lilies-
the hummingbird
indecisive

walking side by side
my constant companion long
before I met you
–
ebb tide-
our footprints
in the sand

iron seas and skies
sailing into the north wind
my face to the rain
–
solitude-
my paddle dips
into glassy water

empty eyes soulless-
sliding down the razors edge
between life and death
–
soft rattles-
promises of release
in the tall grass

butterfly kisses
half asleep on my shoulder
soft breath in my ear
–
cool breeze-
your tears
slowly drying

awake and alone
the contours of your body
still fresh in my sheets
–
a startled thrush-
impressions left
in the tall grass

the great blue heron
gently gliding just above
its own reflection
–
standing water-
a perfect sky
at my feet