Barbara - 9

Two years ago
I returned to your door
and refound your smile
to greet my return

You always
expressed sadness
at being left behind
as those dear to you left

Little did I know,
although I had this feeling,
it would be you
leaving me, in time

I am left with memories
reminders
the remnants of routines
and the certainty of death

Only one does not understand
always checking your chair
in case you came back
after his last foray out

Six months ago
you smiled as wide
as the illness permitted
when you could see clearly again

Just ten days later
only you could see
as you had to leave us behind
to rejoin those you had lost

I'll look forward now
I'll be your clever boy
I can do nothing more
for you

A Year of Silence

A Year of Silence
since we were locked down
the empty summer
and the darkness of fall

We are full circle
oh, we're down a level now
but summer 2021
will be emptier still

We have washed
and sanitised our hands
masked our faces
and gone nowhere

Yet when this is all done
and the final roll call is made
many will be missing
and nothing will be the same again

World Poetry Day 2021

Looking out
over the morning sea
the lighthouse blinked
the clouds grew red

When the mainland hills
melted into the rising sun
your spirit soared
to the Isle of Eternal Youth

The spring is now empty
only memories remain
you'll be with me though
forever more