Grief's Charade Poem by Sandi Alford

I’ve wandered winter’s streets of emptiness
within a shattered heart and mind.
Not once prepared for footsteps
cold- damp-
from splashing in puddles of indecision.

What stirs a memory’s whisper this eve,
wrenches tears from eyes long dried
when love is heard calling and sings
its softest lullaby to heart?

Can it be the ever-changing days of spring
lengthening-
that bring fragments of another lifetime?

A morning, brilliant in warmth and emotions
amid white and fuchsia azaleas,
magnolias sway gently,
honey sweet fragrance on balmy air.
Reverent words exchanged, chase destiny’s
rainbow as the prize, golden and shiny.

But no, I shan’t give in to yesterday’s calling
charms. I must continue this wandering.
Especially since streets are not so empty,
and footsteps once cold- damp-
have dried and left puddles for firmer ground.

And love’s softest lullaby again reaches my ears,
as winter cradles spring.