memories

we smiled
and sang sweet songs
together we sang
blues and ballads

we laughed
and listened to joyful sounds
of doves and meadowlarks
cardinals and sparrows

we walked in a lovely garden
a hidden paradise
a place of beauty in the midst
of a cold harsh city

we fed colorful carp
and watched cherry blossoms
fall like pink snow
on the bright green grass

we seemed to glide through
fields of bluebells
past tall trees past magnolias
sycamores evergreens and redwoods

we held hands
gazed lovingly into our eyes
and sighed into deep dark nights
of our most pleasant dreams

we watched full moons
rise above the distant horizon
and took long journeys
on superhighways through cities
glimmering with bright lights
and over dark back roads
through country towns
to lovely places
by rolling brooks
filled with trout and bass
leaping high into the sunset
dodging lures of intense fishermen
wearing tall boots
wading in cool clear waters

my small space
crammed with books
two computers
pictures
a money plant
pots
pans and old memories
is now dark and empty

my small space
was alive with your presence
your warmth and your kisses
then quietly at sunrise

without a word
one morning you left
you left
your yellow satin robe

you left
your combs
your brushes
and long dark strands
of your hair

you left
your brown suede slippers
lined with soft lambs wool
neatly by a bookcase

you left
your earrings
your makeup
your lotions
your shampoo
your perfume
and your shadow

in the season
when leaves turn colors to fall
quietly
very quietly
you left

me