Embraced By The Sun

Over the Rockies from Denver, as winter came,

and the snow began to fall, wispy and delicate,

down to San Diego, to the sea she never saw.

She was a high school girl I loved so tenderly.

We’d talk between classes, at lunch, study hall.

Sometimes she’d hug me. Like being embraced by the sun.

All those years ago she was killed. I watch the light go out.

No reason at all, other than someone else was cruel.

They said God made her a martyr. It was a lie after the fact.

Still, the ache hurts and is sweet and is filled with venom.

The memories of her touch softly, and leave burns on me.

I promised I’d see the ocean she never saw, wanted so badly too.

I sit on the beach, morning cool, salty and harsh wind coming.

I see a girl there by the water, wrapped in a blanket, looking at sunrise.

I don’t know if it’s her, or my broken heart’s wish for a better world.