Light Dims

Light Dims

In a gentle place, under a tree, surrounded by birds and grass and trees

The sun shines down through parting clouds that scurry away through shame and embarrassment.

And a small sign with a name, is all that remains.

A name and two dates.

Dug into earth that perhaps wished it could carry less heavy a burden.

I stand and look at my shadow, flickering and moving as a gentle breeze rocks the leaves of the trees.

And as I stand a man walks past on the path and catches my eye with a kind, shy smile,

that is more warming to my heart than a blanket on the coldest winter night.

And the walk away is as hard as ever.

And the light dims.

The light dims.