The scent of incense still remains,
Though the smoke fades like a memory,
My heart, eternal hope contains.
Of every moment, my mind retains,
Our brief and fleeting history,
The scent of incense still remains.
Resurrected with spring rains,
Memories stir, my eyes become watery,
My heart, eternal hope contains.
Morning's light shines through window panes,
Remembering your body with perfect clarity,
The scent of incense still remains.
My soul bond to yours with Love's chains,
Where the key may be is forever a mystery,
My heart, eternal hope contains.
In my head echoes a song's refrain,
Flames casting shadows that are fiery,
The scent of incense still remains,
My heart, eternal hope contains.
One of my old villanelles. The song referred to in the last stanza is "Shadows", by Red House Painters.