Soul

I looked through snap shots

of my daughter's wedding.

It came back to me in waves,

I had forgotten the nuances.

He was perfect, she was perfect.

The aura was palatable.

I miss the youth of my life,

they brought it back to me.

I cried softly, with a smile.

I am thankful for my soul

for without it I am lost.

Without it I have no tears.

                        Shannon R Killman

Worthy Foe

I carry a burden of decades…

It lingers in my lungs,

It hangs heavy in my mind,

It follows as shadows do.

But, we toil today…

Like a mask, I shed you

And you struggle,

And we breathe together.

My mind is cloudy

And you mock me in whispers,

My blood screams behind

The sweat of our years…

I approach the crest...

And you drag at my heels,

But I pull ahead, with a smile

As you claw within my brow.

I tire of the struggle, victorious

But I feel your heat,

You sit and wait... always ready.

A worthy foe…

                        Shannon R Killman