shade

alternating feelings happiness and melancholy
sunlit gardens cast shadows on my outlook
a scene so serene I'm caught off guard
by memories of gray
such a startling contrast

in love with the moment
where I can take a moment to genuflect
on summers passed

people have come and gone
bereft and forlorn I reach for my touchstone
may it be well with them

the gardens echo with philosophic discussions
I remember Kate high on mushrooms up in the tree
I wonder what she dreamt of
only the Cheshire cat knew

I sit with my silence
content with my own company
people will come and they will fade

I am alone in the shade
grieving the loss of company
happy they were here at all