Distance – Page 44

broad fields of amber
spread under a western sky-
gentle autumn rain
–
thinning clouds-
baled hay
in the sun

deep under water
looking back at the surface
as I sink farther
–
valentines day-
ice cracks
beneath my feet

in my father’s chair
still unprepared to carry
this heavy burden
–
fallen acorns-
my little feet
in your shoes

my bed, no respite
dark lonely hours renege on
the promise of sleep
–
flannel sheets-
the rhythm
of your breath

written in anger
signed in blood and gently sealed
with the kiss of death
–
impending storm-
newspapers aloft
in the morning wind

hushed elevator-
the open doors close once more
leaving us alone
–
frosted glass-
winter air
seeps in

each time you leave me
it gets a little harder
to let you back in
–
terra cotta-
under the pot
the door key

the darkness complete-
standing on the precipice
shouting at the void
–
the village green-
I hunt for the
elusive middle

hug your children tight
for tonight there are parents
who won’t get that chance
–
barren trees-
young branches
devoid of leaves

the sliding doors shut
as the train pulls away I’m
still on the platform
–
changing winds-
the last robin
takes wing