Waterlily

There is an old lantern 

Swinging by the gentle hands 

Of the wind pushing

On and on, into the Grotto.

The wax long melted 

From a candle down to 

Wick and iron.

I have the imprints 

Of your laughter in it. 

The stained glass 

Cracked but holding up

The echoes of us

When time was slow.

Grandma's trees 

Growing great and giant 

Reaching over everything

That was ours.

Heavy branches in 

The noonday sun

Lazy like the tails of

Sleepy black cats.

Strawberry cream soda 

Dewdrops on the can 

Teardrops on my lashes. 

Endless, endless

Ever-glow on the water

Dirt in the floorboards.

Love on my shoulders is 

A weight like nothing else

Has ever been.