it was a long, long journey.
looking back over their shoulders
the trodden path behind was littered –  
with heart-shards,
splinters of shattered dreams,
and the fine grey ash
of hope once burning bright.

many might question, never understand.
but to them –
to the two of them –
holding each other
close, tight,
as if to will their existence
into one living, breathing thing –
fueled by love,
souls branded with gentle grief –

to them,
this moment,
this quiet now –
is worth everything.