Six Months

Up to six months they say. The paperwork can be renewed.

Not you—just the paperwork. Some things are settled.

Some rolling river fields must return to coastal mountain ranges.

Forest foliage turns ditches into dark wells.

Straight fence lines get bent into circles.

Fence posts get painted black. Spring water runoff

and shadows are a mixed drink for a view of the edge

of moving light. You stare blankly at the faces

you don’t know. Those who love you, remember.

Lack of words cut and split wide open our darkest regrets.

You will face the cold. Only our cheeks will turn red.

You won’t be alone. Together, we all leave pain unsaid.