Loss

absent mourning doves-
I wander aimless around
this cold empty house
–
twelve years gone-
still missing your
hair in the sink

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

another phone call-
your tired face deeply etched
with dissapointment
–
drifting snow-
fox prints near
an empty hutch

glowing embers blow
through gnarled ashen limbs and
pallid withered leaves
–
a cigarette butt
untold miles of
scorched forest