...

At first I thought we’d meet again,
aware of some shadow behind
my shoulder.

And then your voice, would explain,
through smoke and dust in a
faltering breath.

“I thought returning to those you love
is a promised debt for our
life’s pain.
Yes, at first I thought we’d meet again.”

Then I waited here, pacing slowly,
and a shadow did move within
the shade.

The voice was but an uncertain memory,
through smoke and dust  in a
fading dream.

“I thought returning to those you love
is a promised debt for our
life’s pain.
Yes, at first I thought we’d meet again.”

....