Tears Fall into a Mystical Lake

Our last good bye is truth.
Watch, the spirit leaves
only a vessel is left.
Who you knew is no more.

I know I have to surrender
for you are truly gone.
Your loving touch, inspiring words,
lost forever. Darling, I am not strong.

If I deny truth, it will not be.
I hide, refuse reality, no heartbreak to face.
In limbo, my world is still tied up in you,
Steelers mug, Aramis cologne on a pillow case.

Our children are perking up.
To be a child, although It took them a while.
School and play keep them busy.
Memories shared about you make us smile.

Each night with supper
we put out your 'King of the Castle' plate.
Sometimes we pretend with Monopoly.
So sly,you wipe us out with Park Place.

I see your silly grin in a mirror,
hear,"It's okay, Punkin" in my head.
Still feel strong arms around me,
replay lusty ravishing nights in bed.

I went to a shrink for sleeping pills.
She sternly told me. I must let you pass on.
It is not good for our children
to play like you aren't really gone.

My hourglass shattered, a sign
to toss out make believe. Stop the rage.
Cuff links, a watch, whatever touched your skin,
a tear stained letter, all gathered in a velvet bag.

I went to the park where we picnicked,
took a lunch basket for two.
I toasted us with peanut butter and jelly
read Browning, Dr. Suess, and Dylan too.

We were; friends,playmates, scratching cats,
political enemies, soulmates,
lovers like no others,plate throwers
but never uttered the word hate.

Here is our sacred healing ground,
hand in hand, walk this sunny path.
Be silent, reverent as the waterfall flows
to the crystal lake below.

A mystical lake, the tales say.
An Indian princess lost her lover.
Countless tears became a crystal pool,
giving birth to a waterfall and lake.

I took the velvet sack,
slipped my wedding band in,
tied up with my love, a journey began.
"I will never forget you, my lover and friend."


Kathie Stehr
Revised April 2009