Land's End

The memories persist, they cannot fade.
The apex of our love, a winter walk
On a deserted Alaskan beach in March.
On the edge of Spring, we walked
Hand in hand immune to the frigid wind.
Strolling quietly on the soft sand
We listened to the seductive rhythm
Of the frothy white waves lapping
On the shoreline. Bald eagles perched
On driftwood logs prissily posing
Like emperors on their thrones.
We walked and laughed as lovers do
Oblivious to yesterday and tomorrow.
I remember the beauty in your eyes
As you photographed the setting sun
Burning low in the crystal blue sky.

I walk alone now along the surf
My back turned to the awakening sun.
On a cold morning in the depths of December.
My boots crush the remnants of seashells
That lie broken on the desolate shore.
My mind pushes forth the frozen images
That lie forever imprinted in my psyche.
I try to smile fondly but my tears tell my truth.
I look around to listen, to hear whatever was.
But the eagles are gone to warmer grounds.
Replaced by ravens whose cacophonous callings
Fill the salty ocean air. Their haunted hecklings
Disturb my thoughts as I trudge to land's end.
I curse at these symbols of despair. I think
Of Poe and their senseless cawings are transformed
Into the soul wrenching words; "Nevermore, nevermore"