Last Words

Writing the final chapter… the bells in the tower ring for me Once for each phrase unwritten twice for each grievance atoned —as— “Schoolchildren rise pulling back the covers on the flowering meadow Singing my words blessing the fields as they run “Memory half gone released into the cradle of times rebirth Taking what I gave and leaving what I could not forgive “The reasons, the seasons melding together, flashing lost images Redeeming their promise christening new moments forever endowed “Yesterday and tomorrow I am free of their deception My last words to stay hidden —in the laughter of a child” (The New Room: June, 2022)