Surrounded by the memory of love
feeling the cold remains of a warm embrace
as the wind gently remembers those it graced

Faces fade with sudden clarity
a name, christmas morning, the fireplace in the evening with the frigid air
blowing in from an open door

Laughter, echoing in my ears
forgotten tones, and lullabies sung
The love given, and well received

now i remember, my face damp with memory
I can hear their voices, reassurances,
feel the hugs while I lay here cold and bare

Time is a cherished friend and a villain
the longer I remain the more memories I retain
of those who gave all to get me here
and those I can no longer thank

My father, my grandmother, my uncle, cousins alike
Those who are always with me, haunting with their love

Regrets I have, and an earnest desire to do better
while also wishing just one last time I could feel a hug
for without them, i only have my own shoulder to cry on
as I remember their love

03/12/2024

Posted on 03/12/2024
Copyright © 2024 William P Strucke