"In the Rear View"

Years spent in each others’ arms,
cold cold days,
socks covering feet, hands covering thighs,
becoming warm nights,
then sharing morning drives,
grazes on the lips
goodbye,
and loving glances
in the rear view.

From a blind spot
emerges irrational
fear
that takes us by surprise.
A split
decision, a misguided resolve,
illogical,
irreversible,
irredeemable,
changes it all.

Time pushes forward and takes
its toll.
We lean on others for much,
too much,
and pretend it is all
right.

And then,
surrounded by weary winter snow banks,
languid streaks
of the midday sun cast upon
a chance encounter.
Inch by inch rolling by,
sand and slush enmesh with wheels,
dirt and stained memories
turning.

From a distance,
through a rear view mirror, we glance
at each other
once more,
searching for a past that stretches
farther and farther away.

Or are things closer
than they appear?
Is the mind playing tricks, ignoring
what the eyes see?
What can be trusted?

Yet the road ahead
is clear,
and free,
even if the rear view is hazy.