Death

putting down the phone
the harsh meaning of your words
doesn’t register
–
distant rain-
unexpected
lightning

southward flying geese
their long journey just begun
as mine is ending
–
warm boots-
my old dog’s
snowy muzzle

echoing silence-
bodies strewn haphazardly
on the downtown streets
–
an absence of birds-
villagers gather fish
in the receding sea

heads bowed in respect
under an overcast sky
the flag at half mast
–
rising winds-
halyards ring
the flagpole

cold and sterile rooms-
the emptiness of being
alone here with you
–
makeshift rafts-
icy waters
devoid of life

my respite over
the calling of this new life-
irresistible
–
moonglow-
another turn
at the wheel

aimlessly searching
for a place to lay my bones
when the light fails me
–
fresh engravings-
the morning sun
on frosted stone

ashes and embers-
my gentle caress lingers
barely on your lips
–
cold glass-
the distance
of your touch

this life all too brief-
a freshly fallen snowflake
melting in my hand
–
rebirth-
spring sky in
a robin’s egg

gentle drops of rain
fall from the trees to collect
on my upturned face
–
quiet water-
minnows surface
beneath my shadow