inside my solitude
an aspen forest
leaves shimmering
in a wise wind. a
lake, clear, crisp
water that delights
my skin to gratitude.
cicada’s songs
weaving the tapestry
of a new dream that
doesn’t fear time or
loss or pain. a pink
ball sun. a cloud-
clothed moon. my
true love. our children.
our dogs. our eternity.
inside my solitude:
haloed hope.
VANESSA SHIELDS 