Loss Lingers
for Sheema on her mother's loss


touched by frost

the last rose wilts

folds in upon itself

seeks solace

in winter slumber



touched by loss

the soul wilts

folds in upon itself

seeks solace

in solitude



frost and loss

both wilt

but for most

of a given year

there is no frost;

loss lingers

a grief

for all season


Alan Corkish