I took a walk
traversing known paths
that criss-cross the river
now dry, after the long, hot summer.
My dog ran ahead,
her silly ears flopping in the wind
and I tagged behind
stepping over smooth stones
and rolling gravel.
And as I walked,
I imagined you next to me,
or ahead
or behind.
And I could tell you
everything we never had time for.
Because life happened.
And as I rambled
I was not sure
who I was talking to;
My past, my present
or my future
And that made me sad.
I said, you are missed…
And then, silence.
I felt spent, my life force
slipping away
from wanting companionship,
from wanting you.
And each tear that rolled down
today
watered the parched earth
for a new spring
and new seeds to burst forth.
Or so I imagined.