Bessie

She told me Her name was Bess:
I caught Her first
in corners of my eye
with quick flash down the steps
to a star
like balls of light
till finally caught
resting
In Her wedding dress

It was then She spoke Her name
part of the country
happy in my home

She was waiting for Her Love
carried off
to civil war
with his picture in hand
she cries and moans
only thing of value
held close
upon rocking chair
tin-type and threadbare

when dripped my eyes
She shared Her way
to a world gone cold

In a harsh heart of winter
came news
this of mortal wounds
and donned Her treasured dress
lying in crumpled mess
She and Her tears
froze within corner
holding onto loss
in sound of breaking evening

No will to start the fire
No hope which to guide Her
Only paths to Her Beloved

Some way She remained
never finding the way
till slowly She glowed
playing tricks
in place of misery
hiding keys and things
placing them in odd sort
on middle of tables
the smile You'd feel laughter to hear

Sometimes She'd warn
sing to the Sun
carry on carry on

Eventually
calm came to peace
where She knew
time was to leave this place
and She said goodbye
on lips of a dream
where She stood to a path
praised by sunlight
leaving my home empty


Entered in a comp*