The Stephen Hercules Shaw Memorial Bench

Stephen Hercules Shaw Much loved, much missed Born the same year as you. I rest on the bench your mother bought, your brother bought, your friends bought, to remember and slowly forget. The ducks half swim, half skate Over the half-frozen half-winter lake as I, half blind, half lame, half finished watch ripples climb tree trunks, legs crossed in reflection. My shadow hat floats on the surface as the wind changes. I hope for the heron but hear coots. It's cold but not cold enough. Each bench has a name and two dates One has the scraped initials of sometime lovers 4ever. Another has fresh flowers and a card "To Pop, Happy Christmas." As I heave myself up a changed woman hurries past with a small annoyed dog and I wonder whether she thinks I left the card or stole a white carnation.