A Soliloquy of Sighs

by T.L. Coston

Gone – gone, I sit in darkness and cold

As I watch moonlight shadow the falling snow

My breath palpable upon the night’s air

Dissipates before the next exhale

This room once filled with gaiety and warmth

Whisper remembrances stilled by time and thought  

I feel her presence, I smell her perfume

My love, my life, my friend – my wife

Would you know these aged hands that once caressed?

Or the love in these tired eyes laden with worn and care?

My body infirmed by years of toil

A mind beguiled by memories long sought

I remember conversations we had.  Oh, what wit!

I recite them aloud and laugh and laugh.

The joy of your words brings me to tears

Until a soliloquy of sighs sings me to sleep