Heat of long-lost family tears.
Gathered into hollow years.
Dropped from highest Tower’s fears.
Baby girl has disappeared.

Unknown Uncle walked me back.
Did we both feel an aching lack?
Out of touch, out of contact.
Feel my souls upon a rack.

Traveled onto different roads.
Faded memories did erode.
Why now does it jab and goad?
Am I at fault to bear the load?

Family torn so far apart.
Unraveling our younger hearts.
These regrets feel so damn dark.
Think we all just missed our marks.

Sadly now I take my leave.
Heart feels like a leaky sieve.
Other colors could have weaved.
A different sort of patterned me.

Where now will this knowledge lead?
Back at home how will I bleed?
Thinking of my voided need.
Cataclysm...please recede.

Erin Moen
2/23/03

Dedicated to my father's West Coast family.