January

There is no month

which more effectively takes my breath away

a grief which never ends

although it changes faces

year after year

Hope resides on the other side

but seldom within

the coldest month of the year

unless

I stand at the edge of the ocean

where even bitter winter winds do not deter

faith and tranquility

and so it goes

and so I go

and the beauty

serenity

sounds of the ocean waves

the still of the rising sun

in all its’ splendor

brilliant colors and

peace in a promise

a reminder

like a whisper and then

in the salty air

I can breathe

once again

– In memory of my father,

June 28, 1944-January 31, 1993