***

She could lead him if he just followed
Through a maze of the autumn lights
And away from forever hollowed
By his loneliness endless nights.

She could catch him if he was soaring
Over remnants of yesterday’s pain,
Over stars that were dimmed and fallen
Into muted deserted plane.

She’d forgive him if he remembered
Subtle glow of the pale eyes
And the longest day in September
With amazingly clear skies.

She could save him if he surrendered
To a whisper above his skin,
To the howling beast at his center
Clawing through the enclosures within.

She would mourn him if he existed –
A reflection of streaming rays
In the grayish translucent crystals
Of her autumn-affected gaze.