River’s Tears

My son died on April 23, 1990.
He was 20, a sophomore at Amherst College, Amherst, MA

A knock on the door in the late evening, and two officers in uniform
With the message shut closed all my doors—the evening got darker,
Darker than the black hole. I was thrown into the Mariana trench.

My love was torn away, leaving me senseless and directionless
In the dark.

Tears found rivers on my cheekbones and blinded me.
I hid behind the well of tears swimming in the loss,
Tossed in the currents—memories, plans with hope
Washed down the red river of my severed artery.

The well still stands tall. I guard it vigilantly, inviting
Orion to guard this well in his nightly duty of protecting
The seven sisters from Taurus, the Bull.

My love casts a long shadow in the sun,
Sparkles at night. Love is infinite (Rumi)
And every turn timeless, opening the door
Once shut closed.

The river flows into my cupped hands.
Birds flirt, testing their wings. How old are you?
I cry again and again…

2023
Year of the Rabbit