wistful

I cannot breathe while suffering suffocation dysfunction

Turn away when political bugs of confusion splatter against my brain.

I so inhale your words and what you mean to me and exhale my love.

When I turn to look at you, I am surprised at my clarity

I feel the sky brighten when it kisses the ground.

It reveals my shadow lengthening as I run to catch up with it.

Raindrops on roses smooth out my mind into a rapture

As I listen to the chirping of a mockingbird in the clear air.

I walk with you along leaf covered paths overlooking a still lake

We smile as a squirrel scurries up a tree, showing us its seasonal coat

Remembering good times, speaking in fondness, we touch shoulders.

A moss covered stone listens to our personal reflections, a cardinal nods.

The smell of autumn smoke glides from a neighbor’s chimney as

a yellow leaf falls into your hair and soft sunlight bathes our faces.

Hand in hand we return to our private thoughts and smile, walking

Walking into green pastures with still waters, enlightened with living.

    Richard Lynn Livesay 2009