At Midnight

At midnight, I walk along the shore,
Hear the lurching of the creaky barges
Plowing through the dim-reflected light,
Hear the mates calling to each other
From the tows before settling down
For the long, slow drift down the Ohio--
They know the sun will linger rising.
I feel chilly breezes at the water’s edge
While waiting, but you do not come
As you promised to quell the torturous
Anxiety pulling me into the night air.
Standing, watching, listening, hoping you
Will slip silent beside me, enfolding me
With assurances that all is well, but,
I know, once again, I die at midnight.

written August 14, 2021
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
August 15, 2021 at 3:34 AM
There is such longing in this one Wow. Well penned Hank.
Hankins Avatar
August 15, 2021 at 10:15 AM
Thank you. This is a favorite of mine, too.
Poet Avatar
August 14, 2021 at 8:51 PM
Milton, you've produced a profound poem filled with beautiful images. I do, however, wish you many more years.
Hankins Avatar
August 14, 2021 at 9:30 PM
Thank you so much, Lasaad. I appreciate your wishes for longevity. I am hopeful!
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