would dying change
the colors –
of daybreak on the pond
or move the waters
backward to the fall
would life go on
despite the urge
to end it all this way
as dew surrendered slow
into the sun

would leaving
be the answer
to questions I have asked
or roads be worn
apart beneath my feet
beyond the briar
nursed by time –
scratched into my skin
the memory of running
yesterday

would skies be sworn
to brilliance
before the darkness fell
or urge the daylight
burn beneath her flame –
forgotten now
the scent of rain
out beyond forever
tis where I wait
the night
without regret

would life be more
than I could bear –
or prayer my secrets fold
when given back
these souvenirs of love
twisted locks
of mystery –
braided by the dark
warm against the map
that is your hands

would ever I be
as one alone –
without these words to comfort
an empty page
and nothing more to write
breathe again
into the place
stories are remembered
walk the path
beneath my skies –
forsaken not
to roam