I hold your face in my hands. Your eyes hold that glint of tears that they refuse to unleash. They are tears born of regret over decisions made, and fears over future prospects. I can only hold your face in my hands a moment before lowering them at your gentle touch on my wrists. If…

The warmth of the early afternoon drops to an uncomfortable cool. Numb fingers tap away, while sparrows and robin sing on, indifferent to the chill. Sun-swallowing swarms of cumulus cloud ensure that the cool will remain. Mira and Frank chatted about invitations. He’s finally tending to his upcoming Court of Honor. I managed to motivate…

A year plus since the lockdown, and another Spring teases seasonal change. While the sun radiates the neighborhood, uneclipsed by a single cloud, a chilly breeze blows. The daffodils broke hibernation, with the forsythias following close behind. Nevertheless, a familiar, invernal chill lingers. Tomorrow promises showers; my aching joints confirm. And new COVID cases surge…

I embody it. Yes, ever-yielding, always giving way: Nonetheless, I conquer. Ask the Appalachia. They towered over Everest once. Until I fell, storm after storm, for aeons. Now, their rounded peaks, bent like geriatric backs, no longer stab the blue above. Ever the softest, yet even the diamond-hard surrenders to me. I break your heart.…