SOJOURN
On a crystal clear bright morning
As I walk down to the shore
I can’t help the smile that reveals itself
Like so many times before.
The burden that I carry
Is much more than this gear.
Journey’s, just like this,
I have taken year to year.
There, upon the shoreline
Sits a little wooden skiff.
Within its rails, I place my tackle,
And its bow I give a lift.
Easing into the tiny craft
My joints and muscles ache.
But, that’s okay, this is the day
As in my hands the oars I take.
Adrift upon the water, I row,
And watch the ripples slide away.
Hallowed, is this place to me,
Especially, on this day.
For here, I found my solitude
To shuffle and sort my thoughts.
And catch some fish to take back home
To the wife, I now have lost.
You see, here in this boat
Fifty years ago, today
Is where I asked her for her hand
To marry me that day.
I still recall the sparkle
That played within her eyes.
As she said, yes, I must confess
It took her by surprise.
The greatest love I ever knew
I still carry in my heart.
And though it broke, the day she died,
It didn’t fall apart.
My life was a blessed one,
Because of her and her unfaltering love.
Today’s the day, I will join her again
From this deathbed to Heaven above.
Kevin Parish 
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