A chain of memories wrapped around him
keeps him from any which await.
His daughter’s bringing him to Jesus,
but prays his condition won’t fade.
Although she loves him with a full heart,
it’s brimming over with the fear
of toppling that which appears balanced
as he nods off in his chair.
Is she returning now the favor –
the mystery gift of her name?
Regrets have taken flight as angels
which carry her above him.
He hates to drag her over his days
and wishes loneliness could make him whole.
His heart pushes her away from this,
his body only knows to pull.
Gravity draws immutable
down on this span of souls.
Outside, a quiet blanket of snow
lies under the living and over
the dead.
Spite blows at his ear from behind him
this mistress penetrates his dreams.
the marriage bed he’s slept alone in
for years
has sunken.
In the night he feels nothing
that he remembers the next day.
This time alone, her time of crying –
the only time he’s not ashamed.
Gravity draws immutable
down on this span of souls.
Outside, a quiet blanket of snow
lies under the living and over
the dead.
Under the living and over the dead.
Under the living and over the dead.
Under the living and over the dead.
© 1992.