That Moment

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That Moment

~

I remember well, the times we walked our favorite old growth. Most especially that perfect June morning, we trekked deep into that ancient wood, to our favorite spot — our secret clearing. The morning sun filtered softly through the canopy, drifting golden into our sacred space, setting your handsome face aglow. A breeze rustled the treetops, whispering of eternity, casting a spell.

Awed by the splendor, we talked quietly, leaning on the downed Douglas that slumbers there, perhaps centuries, peaceful in its earthen repose. You were eighteen, off to college soon, so excited! I was so in awe of you son.

In that moment, time suspended, life aligned for a perfect memory — my very last of you. Three weeks later you were tragically killed. This memory is left here under the forest canopy, in our clearing, where my heart still journeys — to talk with you.

you left in summer
I will leave in my winter
our clearing awaits

~ ~ ~

rob kistner © 2020

* This month is my son Aaron’s birth month. He has been vividly on my mind.

 

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26 thoughts on “That Moment”

  1. Oh Rob, I felt the love and grief in your haibun. Thank you for sharing a precious moment with your son. The clearing must be wonderful, with the morning sun filtering through the canopy, and so magical. I have tears.

  2. I am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful words you have written and I admire you for writing them. You made me cry. I’m sure that clearing awaits you both.

    1. My memories of my son are primarily uplifting, but sometimes I want to scream, and so I write to cry and touch the intensity of my love for him. He, like I do, loved the beauty of the natural world.

    1. Thank you Lucy. My memories of Aaron are primarily warm and wonderful. But November brings forward my deeper sense of loss. I cherish his place in my life, and still in my heart.

  3. Oh. . .all the feelings here, Rob. That secret special clearing–
    “In that moment, time suspended, life aligned for a perfect memory — my very last of you.”
    I’m so sorry, Rob. I can’t imagine. Hugs.

    1. It has been a number of years since I lost him Merril. Most of my memories are warm wonderful memories of him. However, his birth month of November stirs some sad memories. Every now and then I need to write them out. It’s a catharsis for me.

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