Whispers in the Wind

A poem for my sister

You died before memory formed Remembrance but a wish Instead, I remember Mother’s longing tears, Father clanking bottles of fear, the empty crib they never threw away.

I remember the void, coldness brought by loss, eternal drawn out silences, a rattle harder than any broken door bearing more darkness than fist-punctured walls.

I remember shame, its invisible wounds and monsters, in callousness, it reigns. forgotten embers of hope empty promises, lies, and blame through ages resonate in the chamber of a sensitive child’s heart in nightmares that never part.

I remember gravestone rocks wondering how much they lost the crying mothers, those chiseled stones had seen standing there, in endless wondering, if tear-soaked grass could spring life new again? Could tears seed tomorrow’s roses? Before the world winds down to a slow and timid weep, are we simply shadows, waiting patiently for clouds to part?

Every year we visit every thought the same You’re too pure to be placed in a hole of dirt and bugs. Always a worry, Are you afraid of the dark? wishing to protect you, tell you adventures, fairy tales, fanciful words to save us all

How many doors did I close through life, to protect the boy inside? How many more six-foot holes Would be filled before my time? Some questions have answers Others have existential horseman, waiting in tomorrow’s lot

I think of you what could have been your light, your gentle skin As dusk settles on this lonely bench by candlelight, I write knowing words are nothing now But whispers in the wind sent to a ghost, I never met, but love forevermore.

© Bradley J Nordell 2020

I would like to thank Aspen Blue for her feedback and edits on this poem.