Beyond the Clouds

By

Susan Rouchard

Where can I find
in this crushing grind
another twin soul who
will rise again and woo.

The sparkle of an instant.
A glowing sun in the distance.
Orange streaks beyond grey clouds.
You, now alone, wrapped in a shroud.

It was the twinkle in your eye,
your white grin sinking into tomato on rye.
The way you tipped your head,
the buttered crumbs falling from your bread.

Folding myself into your arms,
snug, a prisoner to your charms.
We ate warm buns from a tray,
my heart wandering, astray.

Treading on soft soil
around the lake, a glistening foil.
I was at one with nature
. Only you could provide the closure.

Now on the shore, Alice and Emma
grasping my hands. Paul in a dilemma.
Her hair, a wisp of curls in the wind.
Like yours but auburn red, a flashing fin.

His lips, full and blue from the cold.
Your father's mouth when he grew old.
The look in their eyes, deep bottle green.
The sorrow burning a wet sheen.

We all cry towards the open sky,
where the light-years-away stars lie.
And wonder if you will receive wherever you float,
alone with the angels, our message of hope.