I drink my morning coffee camped out on the deck
wrapped in my favorite holey sweater.
Soaking in the magnificent colors of change surrounding me,
breathing in the familiar brisk air as the geese honk goodbye.
I jump at the sound of my sleepy eyed daughter opening the door
looking for her morning hug then leaving as fast as time can pass.
I watch her stroll away, amazed. It’s been ten years!
It’s been ten years since you left!
Ten turn to twenty as memories flood my thoughts.
I remember our hikes dressed in scarves and sweaters
gathering leaves of color and size by armfuls.
Reciting poems to one another as we sat
overlooking the Mississippi valley
smoking a joint and giggling.
The stolen kisses and teasing of future moments.
The different paths that branched us away
believing in a future that was not then.
I remember the phone call many years later.
The tragedy of loosing you forever,
the gift of a new life growing inside me.
River 8/10
