For so long you were the longest shadow

cast in the depths of winter

My frost bitten heart

hardened by the bitter taste

Of your name

 

You sat on the edge of my universe

Like a fleeting moment missed

Always just out of reach

And always silent

Your absence fell upon me like a snow blanket

stretching out into every corner of my world

 

Each hill I climbed with ice picks 

Just to catch a glimpse of your face

But all I saw were snowflakes 

Melting in your place 

No glimmer of hope

To grasp

 

Lady of the lake

More fragile than antiquated glass

Drowning in your own mystery

You took me to a place

I did not wish to be

 

There I was most happy

Wallowing in misery

Until the day I saw the daffodils 

Waving back at me.

Clare Kinnaird, 2024.