traces mark the ways
I came –
rings around the bark
flowers here
I planted yesterday
what passions I’ve surrendered –
haunt this mortal ground
– whispered wind
returning me
this way

letters writ
a lifetime more –
ageless as their love
to sweat against the verses
every line
fingers rubbed a shade
of blue –
seeking still to claim
remnants of a story
more than mine

last I heard
of not much left
was buried somewhere south
below the line of parting
would you care
for promise lost –
except for these
I’ve kept them every one

the road is gone
and dreams won’t take me
there

. . .