when I learned you were gone
I was at the top of the hill
when my shoulders began to
quiver I had reached the bottom
robins bounced along
the ruddy grass so insistent
on its verdance
clumps of colors or flowers
passed their lives
under clamor of cloud
and April gustings
what a day to have
your soul
lifted beyond
when I knew I would miss you
I walked to the market
to caress the vegetables,
to purchase cured meats
Sunday shoppers
jostled sleepily against me
and everywhere
colors kept insisting, inserting
when I finally cried for you
I was home
slung deep beside
the warm hearth
of your memory
dinner on the stove
made by my hands
that just last week
held yours
