it can’t be forgotten
or washed away
only hardened in the throat
a stone held, until let loose
in whispered resolution
and gentle remorse, or with

wild broken screams
cursing faceless floods that carry love away

many things are lost in a flood
spread thin, buried, left
an old photograph, a cracked teapot
a shattered mirror
   forever loved
but never restored

if we may, let us choose no reserve
before time breaks the patient ****
and erases the peaceful course