Family

that look in your eyes-
it’s an hour before dawn and
we need to leave now
–
exhausted-
more beautiful
than ever

ringing in the night –
hearing the sound of your voice
I fall to my knees
–
silent crickets-
two marines stand
in my doorway

softly spoken words
meant for only you to hear-
whispers by your neck
–
our wedding duvet-
my open heart by
your sleeping ear

in the dark shadows
cobwebs cling to memories
of a distant past
–
winter stubble-
remnants of
my father

unspeakable acts-
unlearned lessons of the past
repeating again
–
cattle cars-
disappear within
the gates of hell

dusty fountain pens-
drawers full of love letters she
never meant to send
–
in the stacks-
quietly I try
to catch your eye

fingers intertwined
your slippered feet atop mine
before the fire
–
two dozen years-
still waking up
next to you

corrupted and vile
poisonous invasive roots
unwilling to yield
–
oblivious-
wandering into
a nest of vipers

a fleeting moment
captured in a photograph
when we were in love
–
a glass of wine-
this shoebox full
of torn photos

a cold waiting room-
absolutely terrified
of what will come next
–
eyes closed-
the taste of salt
in my veins