Pangs

coarse the road home

coarser still the view

no elemental respite

to assuage ache of ages

duty ordered visit

battered bones complied

we sat, silent…

lost… in reverie confined

wondering if time

(ever clamoring for more)

could have quelled regret

lying, to other, to self

we did as we pleased

burned bridges with glee

drew lines not to cross

painted memories

black with blame

not counting the cost

not knowing

heart

could turn

to

stone