pondering

this evening i sit alone and quiet

atop an old oak tree's rooted feet

listen to the wind brush the leaves

watch the cloud figurines soar above

as the sky turns orange and crimson

and the sun lies down to rest and sleep

at the feet of mother earth

i ponder the many steps i’ve taken

throughout the days of yore

of faces passing with frowns and smiles

hearts forsaken of love lost and the tears

shed, unremitting, in the lonely nights

missing those now absent in this life

here and now, gathering thoughts

along with memories, how rich my heart

has felt from those who have touched it

both at a distance from human empathy

to the fortunes of a warm embrace, maybe

a kiss here and there or just holding ever so

gently of my hand

i wonder if and when my breath shall cease

in partaking of this earthen bound, my soul

shall be gifted with pockets filled with love

where i can take to share with the souls of others

that maybe weren’t so lucky, filling theirs

with a love that was meant for all