Face in the Crowd

For a moment I imagined seeing your face in the crowd, Smiling, as if it were expecting To see me, and as the joy Of a lifetime of love cascaded Through my being I wanted to shout: “Here am I!” Alas, your features morphed Into stranger’s face, And my reaching being gasped As if being deprived Of the last of my strength. Oh, sweet soul! I close my eyes And clench my eyes and fists At the thought that I would Have to walk, alone, again Along the ivy-bordered lanes And gravel-strewned footpaths Telling myself that the strength Of my memories of you Will sustain me through life…