Standing on the beach
facing the ocean,
I’m blinded by tears until I hear
your name in the breeze.
Life isn’t the same without you.
Tides rise and recede
but days linger like years;
crashing waves call me
to offer refuge from my misery.
As I stride ahead
you rise from the sand
and block my way.
“Living is my dream,” you say,
“why throw it away?”
You fall on the beach
cradling your head,
enveloped in tears.
I’m totally entranced
and sob sadly too.
Rising, you circle around
to quickly embrace me.
“If not for yourself,
will you live life for me?”
In awe of your plea
how can I refuse?
Waters swell and recede
in an ocean of tears.
You merge with the mist
as I call your name--crying anew,
again missing you.
I search the horizon.
As your loving spirit
and heart merge with mine
I’m filled with the love
we once shared.
Though tears may come
you’ll see me through
as we walk hand-in-hand
on the sands of time.
Others can see
. . . you
always and forever
striding alongside of me.

Published in “World Domination”, Sophomore Jinx, Winter 1995 and in my book, "A Little Hope" c 2001.