A Death in Winter

The green hopes of all our summers fall from the years
to dust.
Though our dreams freeze on the breath of their remembrance
we must,
Gathered by this open wound of earth and quietly weeping,
Hold to the thought that peace is yours and you are sleeping.

You shall not know the world’s slow turning,
The greening and the greying of our days.
You shall not know the heart’s deep yearning
As we leave you and go our separate ways.

For you the lifelong day is ended,
The song of life so sweetly played.
Our grieving hearts cannot be mended
Nor the wound of earth where you are laid.