he spoke
of distant mornings
(a light she strained to see)
she wrote
of lowly purpose
filled with love
(and mystery)

he listened
as she listened
they talked
(and talked some more)
of the road
they passed together
another way
(sometime) before

he spoke
of ancient winters
(a field where brothers fell)
she spoke
in careful whispers
of a loss
she grieved (as well)

he cried
and she was tender
(in the catching of each tear)
she reached
to find him (waiting)
(with want
to have her) near

he stayed
(beyond the leaving)
lest she ever think
him gone
as she woke
beyond the darkness
as a star
(for wishing on)

. . .