ALMOST LOST

by NANCY

Moonlight.  Burdensome on bowed shoulders.

I reach where slight fingers dally with … it.
Can I take up the dark memories as well?
Her face turns to mine.  All self-doubt.
A tide of hurt.
And failure.
Shame for my pain.
And hope?  Yes.
And faith.  In me.

I raise her to myself.  Or she rises to be close.

Dust in my fist.  Thrust from us.   It.  Evil.  Crushed.
Vanquished.
Nothing must harm her.
Ever.

Yearning hands clutch at my back.
Press me hard against softness that is Catherine.
Strength.  That is Catherine.

Resolve and gratitude in eyes that look up into mine.
She’s home.
In my arms.

home

2014