Memory's Shadow

Memory’s Shadow by Odin Roark There was a time She’d float beside him Their footsteps in sync Their heartbeats in unison Even at midnight Central Park imbued their love With colors and honeysuckle fragrance Lake’s shimmering moon-mirror Sending ripples through enjoined hands But oh the face She knew not a grimace Nor any sadness Her smile Hope’s subtlety Passion’s caretaker Time passed Clouded skies Like cataracts of mind Faded that lovely face Their fantasy stroll Became but silhouette And still… A bench remained To sit Dream Listen to each other’s breath While rustling leaves Drifted away Seasons passed Strolls became nurse-chaperoned Movement by wheelchair Breath by oxy-caddy His bench still stands Warm to the touch His nurse always stops for him to listen As memory’s shadow whispers “May I hold your hand?”