soft hands
sweep across the face
to wipe the tears she can't
erase
emotions swell
and smart with pain for times that will
not be again
out with the old, in with the new.
sight aimed forward not rear view
whispers
echo from the years
of lessons
learned and vanquished
fears,
of friendships forged, and kinsmen
lost,
the price though steep
still worth
the
cost.
