seven years

Seven years
since we walked
into labour and delivery,
frantically anticipating
the early arrival of our first born.

Seven years
since we walked
down the sterile hallway,
empty handed,
past the newborn photographer,
what a stupid place to take photos.

Seven years
since we walked
down the gravel road,
arms full of lilies,
past the crab apple trees,
and laid you to rest
amongst the other names
that we know.

Seven long years
since we left you there,
not one day has passed
that we haven’t thought of you.

the trees

nourished

by the decaying

collective

the spirits

of our ancestors

whisper

through

their branches

adorned

with loving trinkets

they bow

their heads

in omniscient reverence

for the dead