Annmarie. By Regina Elliot
Shimmered gold thin hair, heart
shaped face,
innocent look with love’s trace.
She was petite and tanned from
the summery sun-
ivory lace dress past her knees,
how beauteous youth can be.
Those July afternoons of chilled
iced tea,
she gave birth in the years to three.
The Long Island queen,
is it a dream-
that I see you fair again so carefree,
in the days of the pretty Annmarie.
When we’re in the tender age,
we don’t think that will change,
til the thief ancient and gray
took her memory away.
I’ve wept for what you lost,
it came at such a cost.
I know you’ve had some joy
in life,
my brother’s wife.
I recall the days of the pretty Annmarie,
sparkled eyes of depth and brave,
once the color of the Fire Island waves.
I remember the melodious Annmarie,
walking with her children by the sea. ~
Copyright © Regina Elliott | Year Posted 2025
Shimmered gold thin hair, heart
shaped face,
innocent look with love’s trace.
She was petite and tanned from
the summery sun-
ivory lace dress past her knees,
how beauteous youth can be.
Those July afternoons of chilled
iced tea,
she gave birth in the years to three.
The Long Island queen,
is it a dream-
that I see you fair again so carefree,
in the days of the pretty Annmarie.
When we’re in the tender age,
we don’t think that will change,
til the thief ancient and gray
took her memory away.
I’ve wept for what you lost,
it came at such a cost.
I know you’ve had some joy
in life,
my brother’s wife.
I recall the days of the pretty Annmarie,
sparkled eyes of depth and brave,
once the color of the Fire Island waves.
I remember the melodious Annmarie,
walking with her children by the sea. ~
Looking at the map, the worn creases
Roads, interstates, lakes and valleys
Pastel colors on crinkled paper
Time will pull and tug in small amounts
Though met with violent resistance
Many springs have soothed the fever
Thoughts of you are gentler now
Years have worn harsh edges down
The southern states of our youth
A smile, a photograph tucked into a book
The dreams that happen less and less
Little tremors where mountains once toppled
I went for a drive yesterday
Alone, thank god
The landscape went by so fast
I feel the sun through the windshield
It's hot, it burns my eyes, but I feel it
And I like that I can feel
It's in these soft, quiet, gentle times
When breathing isn't such a chore
Yes, we will live on--
The river moves forward
I've made peace with you
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