Photograph by, Theresa F Koch

Suddenly they walked across the cold dark ancient pebble beach
Hand in hand she knew this would be their last touch on earth
Once they sang and ran in the sun beneath the old willow tree
Now in old age he barely remembered who she was or her name
Sighing, cold she held tightly to his grip perhaps time would resurface
If only for a moment a memory may glimmer across his mind
She remembered his gentle touch in young age she loved him
Some days she felt as if now she was with a complete stranger
This last walk across this cold place towards the distant cliffs
She wished she could look in his eyes to see him looking back
The man she knew who spent almost 60 years with her was gone
Lost with-in the gray mass his brain was erasing itself and their life
Soon dear one she said you will once again remember me
Helping him up the jagged edge she held tightly to his hand
Coaxing him on in his confusion they would soon reach the cliffs
Now at the top you could see the oceans waves dancing below
She breathed in deep the moist air and said we've arrived at the gate
Holding on to his hand tightly she pulled him to the edge lets go
And together hand in hand they stepped off the cliffs jagged edge
Looking at his face she saw a glimmer in his eye and finely he pronounced
The word she had waited so long to finally hear floated in the wind
Anna what is happening he said and at that they stepped through the veil