Distance – Page 52

in the far distance
gunmetal mountains embossed
on an ashen sky
–
cherry blossoms-
jagged peaks float
above leaden clouds

in the stinging rain
waiting by the library
for the doors to open
–
sleeping rough-
water from the downspout
soaking his coat

rising from a dream
tasting a memory that’s
almost elusive
–
floating-
beholden to the wind
over a rising sun

the smell of sea salt
carried on the inland wind
by dangerous storms
–
flying fish-
on the bowsprit
the sea in her hair

bone tired and weary
my eyes close and I pray for
the sleep of the dead
–
falling-
engulfed by darkness
deep and dreamless

quietly aging-
under the stairs, a box of
curling photographs
–
wind blown leaves-
walking slowly
hand in hand

exploring the world
starting with the common ground
found beneath my feet
–
fading sunlight-
stone steps
along my path

trapped in the darkness
never wanting to leave this
beautiful nightmare
–
hoarfrost-
webs frozen
on the moor

faded love letters
the pages of our marriage
dog-eared and wrinkled
–
mulled cider-
clothes fresh
from the dryer

the gathering rain-
reflections of my spirit
clouding my windows
–
dirty windows-
the outside world
smeared by the rain