longing walks
familiar paths
where once we loved
the same
smoke rings settle blue
beyond the spark
ravens fold
their flannel wings –
allegiance to the crush
shadows cleave
to grieving –
memories of dark

it seems so long
the taking back –
how many passed since then
were seasons come
and cold –
our only fear
lay with me
to listen now
a song you used to know
pressed into the melody
of drumming
once held near

. . .