Photo Speak

She stares and laments.

He sees but a river.

She speaks.

He hears her quavering voice.

She hums and merges with the wind in the trees

His ears only perceive escaping air.

She hikes the paths of younger years.

He but nods understanding.

She sleeps beneath the stars.

He pours himself some water.

She asks: “So on which bank does the sun rise?”

He answers: “Either the left or the right.”

She reaches toward the photograph.

He calls the nurse.

Her mountain gaze takes her last breath.

He holds her hand.

Her eyelids fuse the moment.

He weeps and waits.