Litany for Melted Snow by Janice D. Soderling

Litany for Melted Snow

I remember the sky, gray as an iron cupola over the cobblestone square.
I remember the cobblestones glistening with a pure patina of frost.
I remember the snowflakes suddenly turning cartwheels, giddy as my heart.
I remember the fountain, empty as my heart the month before.
I remember icicles on the eaves of the buildings and a sign that read
Danger. Cross to the other side
I remember cathedral bells ringing as they had done for seven hundred years.
I remember them ringing as if for the first time.
I remember the lights going on in the windows around the square.
I remember your eyes as doors opening to the future.
I remember I had known you one week and one day.
I remember your letter, folded in my pocket.
I remember people hurrying to and fro across the ancient square.
I remember that to all intents and purposes, we stood there alone.
I remember where you stood, where I stood.
I remember every time I pass by there.
I remember it was December, a season for giving.
I remember you saying I have to go now but you stayed.
I remember you saying again I have to go but you didn’t move.
I remember you saying I’ll miss my train.
I remember bells pealing, snow falling.
I remember it was like coming home after a long arduous journey.
How could I not remember?

by Janice D. Soderling

Editor’s Note: The heart always knows what to remember, as this poem so beautifully reminds us.