This poem was written for a few of my friends who recently lost their spouses of many years.

GRIEVING

I stand beside the split rail fence
And gaze into the mist.
I see the fog in front of me,
And all the years behind.

Why have you gone my dearest love?
Must I go on alone?
I close my eyes and feel again
Your first embrace and kiss.

The fragrance of the rambling rose
Infuse my soul anew.
Like dewdrops on that lovely flower
A tear forms in my eye.

Where you have gone I cannot go.
The rail stands in the way.
I cannot pass that way just now,
But hold you fondly in my heart.

My sweetest rose, my lovely groom,
The mist will pass away.
The day will come when I can go
Beyond the rail with you.