A strangle hold of memory Deep roots in rich soil have traveled time and distance To make fallow fields fruitful once more An outline of your smile waxes fully in my vision Weathered fingertips brush gently the dusted edges of dried petals I can still smell you here among the shadows of winter Of all the seasons to leave me breathless the cold shell of February Lends a poetic air to your loss I'll keep writing of my sorrow, my tenderness For you will always have a place in my garden Even if I let it grow wild with weeds and whispers