as breath
before beginning –
struggles with remembrance
another time when ashes
blew the sky
hearts so far from over
as distant
metal thunder
told of times surrendered
to goodbye

of traces
resurrected –
memories refashioned
to find in one
tho never quite the same
eyes to tear
with telling
where and when our parting –
angels watched
another war to blame

of bourbon skies
and crimson fields –
curs’ed grounds
defeated
for words returned in silence
still we wait
the echoes of confession
a sigh beyond the sorrow
heroes leaving home
outside the gate

mourning doves
are risen –
to gather near the pasture
balanced by the light
against the blue
whispers long forgiven
pierce my fragile slumber
nights I dream of smoke
and reach for you

. . .