Death

bitter on the tongue-
the hot bilious taste of
someone else’s fear
–
an owl’s cry-
the field mouse
frozen

gentle snow falling
a dog at his owners grave
clawing at the earth
–
winter evening-
your rocking chair
empty

a gilded mirror-
reflections of other lives
from across the room
–
frosted windows-
fire reflected
in your eyes

well after midnight
christmas eve fire in the hearth
burning down to ash
–
a warm hearth-
ashes mix with
the falling snow

freshly cut flowers
in what used to be your urn
on my mantle piece
–
empty boxes-
the dog sleeps
on your side

leaving my baggage
there’s far too much to carry
along this journey
–
the river left behind-
ewer water
darkens the road

your slow gentle breath
in the forest silver wolves
hold court with the moon
–
icy water-
the sound of blood
rushing in my ears

lonely red roses
walked off from the outside by
a thicket of thorns
–
the sun
our children at play
in the back yard

warm morning sunlight-
a vague shadow on the wall
in the shape of you
–
a glass of wine-
the warm glow
on your face

autumn afternoon-
driving home in the dark past
drifts of wind blown leaves
–
light snow-
a swirl of
amber leaves