The spring air is sweet

bare feet touch concrete

and a breeze tickles

spring-loaded curls.



The newly painted porch swing 

is urged faster as I urge

another story,
anything you can bring

to memory.



We watch the sun
set fire to the sky

violent reds and deep purples

warn of the imminent twilight.



We rock gently

and Mother moon makes her way

into star dotted sea,

suspended above us

breeze turns to chill

settled in my bones.



I retreat to your arms 

my lips tremble confessions

but you sooth my tears with your own.

“All is forgiven, we’ll start again.”



Now I chip peeling pain
and watch angry storm clouds sail

like ships on the black sea

to smother Mother moon

those words ring clear as I tend wounds

inflicted by you.


As I try to forgive,

I wonder if you’ll remember

so you can forget.

-vns