And Often

A Silent Understanding..

Between those who have come before

They look to me 
From the other side of this door

I remain strong 
...As if I had the choice

They embrace me, drying my tears

The air is like a vacuum, but painless

While memories remain

I’m reminded of why we’re here

Again I imagine strength

When nothing could compare

She sits away, separate from the rest

She smells different

Her eyes, different

It begins to make sense..

And the image dissolves into waking light

Another piece of the puzzle shakes loose

And so it’s acknowledged

Again, as if there was a choice

Again, the pawn here is me

Nothing left but ambivalence to see

I remain

Pushing puzzled pieces
Into previously carved moments

Awaiting the spring
To show me my next move

And often
My feet follow me

ⓒ 2004 Shawn Michael Quinn