I remember that evening
a lifetime ago.
I was in love.
In pain.

How love chills.
Full of dread.
Full of fear
that led no way

out of that evening
with the sun
lighting the underside
of leaves.

You think
you can survive
one evening then another
an evening like this.

That death lasts
a sort time.
You live
an immortality.

that lets you
sleep garden
in a new life a
pale image.

The iron way
your hand does
what it does
even though this

warm summer evening
you remember
an echo
the way it was
who you are

weeping and smiling
all at the same time.