The Ocean's Widow

Gone, gone away
in the turmoil of blue waves
his body is lost
in the depths of the sea.
Once I had thought
that he would still return
unexpectedly
arms and smile wide
to sweep away my pain.
But his place in our home
in our bed
remains cold and empty.

There were times
when I would walk the lonely sands
eyes to the tide.
Did I think his body
would wash up against my feet?
Would I believe his death
if empty eyes stared into mine?

Once I loved the waters,
loved the feel, the sound, the smells.
Now, as I lean over the rail
of a faltering ship
I can love them once more.

Screams on the wind
the sea will take them
and others will despise the waves
hating its greed
and strong embrace.
But for me it is a homecoming
back to the arms of my husband
to the arms of my love
from the waves that stole
the light from my life
and are finally setting me free.