Inspired by Jane Cornwell’s image below.
The morning glowed, spring-scented,
the air seemed full of promise, contented
they talked of ordinary things, the commonplace–
conversation as comfortable as their pace–
the children, the news, that new restaurant—Thai–
that they never got to try–
Yet does he walk beside her—
there where the branches stir?
The pace still comfortable, the air still aglow?
There’s a sparkle on the water, catching the flow
of currents and light. Yet only one shadow, no talk–
the birds keep her company on her walk.
For Paul Brookes’ Ekphrastic Challenge, Day 22. I gave this a slight edit. Last week a woman at the park told me she missed her walking companion, her husband, who died this past year. I thought of her when I saw this image. You can see all the art and read the poems here.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
This seems like the perfect response to both the image and the lady’s suffering. There must be many people grieving at this moment.
Thank you so much, Ingrid. Yes, there are. This woman’s husband had Alzheimer’s she said, and then got sepsis. . .and all at the start of the pandemic.
How utterly heartwrenching.
Yes. It really is.
Awww… that is beautiful and sad and beautiful. Lovely response to the challenge.
Thank you so much, Dale. 💙
🧡
Beautiful, touching work, Merril. Our truest loves will always walk with us, regardless of which has become invisible.
Thank you so much, Ron!
Reblogged this on The Wombwell Rainbow.
A fine response to the image turned into a tribute to a marriage
Thank you very much, Derrick.
It’s strange but I had the same feeling as you, that they weren’t really walking in step. You took it one stage beyond. I like that.
Thank you! I think that the light was only over him made me think that. And then I thought of what the woman in the park had told me.
Yes, I can see that. I didn’t notice the light until I read your poem.
😀
Beautiful response, Merril. I feel for the lady in the park.
Thank you, Jill. I do, too. From what she was telling me, it sounds like she had a rough year.
That’s sad. Maybe you’ll see her again and you can walk together.
💙
Beautiful poem…it is so hard to lose a loved one, and ye,t you capture that spark that always remains…we carry our beloveds within our hearts.
Thank you so much, Linda. Yes, we do.
Le Sigh! Special Merril.
💙
So kind of you to write this poem. You honor her sadness, but how good that she still goes out and walks.
Yes, she’s someone I’ve only talked to a few times a few times in the park.
This one went straight to the heart.
Thank you, Liz. 💙
You’re welcome, Merril.
You are so good with the deepest emotions. (K)
Thank you so much, Kerfe. I never thought of that.