then and now

i always imagined visiting you
in the ivory towers of your mind,
visiting where you had chosen
to spend eternity.
tears would stroke my cheeks,
flowers would stroke your name
engraved in the ground.
my heart would spin,
and i would pray.
i would thank you for teaching me
how to soar above my
wildest dreams.
i would bring my children
to visit you
and tell them of your hugs,
your laugh, and your smile.

but now a black crow will soar above us
as we try to morn.
and after that bird,
an unfathomable storm will arrive.
the wind whistles, "mama, mama."
sounds of feet beating the pavement
fill the air.
"mama, mama, mama!"