Lingering Shadow

I watched you on a bitter wintry day,
without a glance back, no words left to say.

A frozen exterior engulfed your heart,
focused only on a new life to start.

Loved ones left behind, dismissed with such ease,
merely withered leaves blowing in the breeze.

A child’s quivering hand grips mine in fear,
desperate pleas muted, just one silent tear.

Our safe world shattered for your youthful dreams,
seeking happiness in now frozen streams.

Your shadow lingered in new fallen snow;
memory embedded of watching you go.

Each endless step etched in the snowy frost.
My heavy heart ached for all that was lost.

Sadly, dear, your soul will never be free,
for you left the best part of you with me.