Monday, January 08, 2007

A Touchstone




The Last Place I Felt Your Smile

I visit it again. The stage of your renown
and the poetry pushes against the leaden
edges of my heart. This is the place of my father.
A holy relic of a youth I barely remember.
A building abandoned long ago, like the
pristine child’s love I held you in.

I remember basking in the glow of your
accomplishments here. A bit part, with no lines,
but great satisfaction that I was yours.
My words came later, but only shouted in
response to the vine that gripped us in the hush
and shame of fallen warriors and heroes.

I didn’t make the choices that led from this place,
but I grew within them like a cold estranged wife.
Now I’ve made my own place in a new world.
And as I stand in the last place I felt your smile, I
weep that I lost our love when I was so very young,
and I realize that everyday I've missed the man you were.

Joni
1/8/07

3 comments:

billie said...

So very powerful.

Wow.

billie

Joseph Gallo said...

Yes. I know this touchstone. And I feel your pressing against it. :hugs:

Joni said...

Thanks to you both. This one was unexpected. I knew I'd be writing when I went home, but seeing this place again cut me to the quick.

Joseph, thanks for being there when I've needed you. There aren't words for what you've done or for my gratitude. (((hugs)))