today i walked through fields of used to be acquaintance. 

and while the road was still familiar, 

the landscape –

i no longer recognized. 

 

well-worn paths traveled in different seasons,

now unaware of anything passing – 

other than time. 

 

in place of meadows bursting green with gift of life –

only silent wind-blown fields,

holding fading memories of being alive. 

and  where once i found the gate to paradise, 

now only broken remnants of speculation… 

 

you seem surprised. 

no absolution sought for act of disconnection? 

no predetermined propaganda – 

distortion of the truth? 

 

funny how choosing the longer route home 

is met with such opposition. 

perhaps your logic can enlighten me?

the distance – 

you say – 

provokes the heart to grow fonder. 

if so, 

why nearly silent the sound of mine – 

barely beating?”