File under: Poems

Time

I cannot imagine you in this, my world,
now. Time has stolen you from me
and you cannot belong.

I set off this morning to walk in the rain
and by the door suddenly, pulling on boots,
I forgot how to breathe.

These simple rituals, involuntary survival;
because; in spite; whichever.
Lungs pump rhythmically, keeping time,

for me, regardless, relentless, a clock.

 

Meg, 8/97.
For Hilary, who died young and far away.