The Wait
I stop at the last open door; \ beyond it lies an autumn tableau \ with birds on the shoreline, \ bright leaves in the sun. \ \ I've come a long way, and I need to rest. \ Evergreen hills in the distance, \ and staying is pointless; \ nothing's left here but ashes. \ \ Love burned out in the emptiness \ I brought to everything; \ a mewling void, aching and ravenous, \ but only need was nourishing. \ \ Shadows surround me and my courage wanes;\ the air stands cold and the sky's aflame. \ Pale stars glitter in the radiant train\ of day's glorious disintegration;\ gray vestments shroud its realm again,\ veiling an uncertain destination. \ \ I yawn and stretch, and I settle in, \ bearing the weight of old transgressions, \ but they'll no more keep me awake, \ and I'll wait here for my old friend, \ no matter now how long it takes; \ our old love drifts over the lake.