you spoke
at length
of choices made
and more to come
with winter’s breath –

of storms
and some dark night
beyond the gale

but I didn’t fear
for what might be –
for days between
and endless

for dreams beyond
the reach of memory

you spoke of tears
and I of mercy
one for one
and all assured
we’d find our way
where there was none

but the truth
of love’s returning

. . .