E. June Mathews

Lees Summit, Missouri

Empty Chairs

I heard the wind return to mourn
When traveling on that fateful span
And sensed the nearness of angel wings
That keep their vigil overhead.

I saw the trees caressed by breeze
As nodding leaves recite a prayer.
Their sorrow has not washed away
Though rains have tried to flush the stain.

The crumbling concrete is gone today
But vestige of yesterday remains
In shards that claw the heart and mind
Where scars survive with endless pain.

Though traffic freely flows again
And cars adjust to missing friends
Nightmares torment next of kin
When ghosts return to claim their space.
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