I stand on the shore

of an ocean named loss

where my eyes are always

drawn to the horizon

scanning encroaching fog

for the outlines

of those I have loved

of those I have lost

 

How many empty shapes

have been etched on my soul

like shadow

like negatives of photographs

from those who have been torn away

from this world

from my life

by the raging tides?

 

Eulogies

written in my blood

on the golden sands

in calligraphy

Words

memories

caging my heart

like delicate silver filigree

 

I am called to the sea

to sing their names

one by one

to the dawn tide

ancient shanties

of the women who have waited

women who know loss

like an element

a mineral

mixed in the marrow of their bones

I will sing steady and pure

refresh their memories

recall their meaning

for the rising sun

the fading moon

letting nothing be forgotten

not allowing them

to be completely lost

like the time that is slipping

through my aching fingers

 

© 2017 Christine Elizabeth Ray – All rights Reserved