Copyright © Diane L. Schirf

You were in my surrounding midnight.
Deep blue — close, warm, comforting.

You were in the sea that bathed me
With warm, frothy, embracing waves.

You were in the silky sand that washed my feet
Swirling and sighing in the early morning.

You were in the leaves that gently floated
Around me, brushing me softly in mid-air glide.

You were in each flake of silent snow
Haunting me with its transient beauty.

You were in the falling evening mist
Hiding me in safe oblivion.

You were in the cool, moist forest fragrance
Fulfilling my impatient longings.

You were in the music of the burbling creek
Sweetly soothing all my fears.

You were in the cry of the whippoorwill
Your spirit sadly calling out for my soul.

You were in everything I love
Now nothing is left of me.

1997