By the Brook
A springtime walk
looking to see if ephemerals
are showing their colors.
No flowers yet
so there,
by the brook,
I wander.
I remember
the circle of stones
I made near the shore
where so often
we frolicked as a family.
Heart rocks,
his ashes,
a place where healing began.
Floods have washed through
over the years
and I’m unsure if I can
find the spot.
I look closely,
then see, feel, know
the familiarity of the place.
I revitalize the circle,
sigh and smile
at the missing and the memories.
I walk away slowly
and there at my feet -
a heart rock.
I carry it to the circle
and add it in with a grin.
Walk away - heart rock - add to the circle,
at least four more times.
My grin widens to a chuckle,
as I think of the joy of his subtle wit
and the steadiness of the love we share.
There,
by the brook,
he reminds me
once again.
Sarah Carlson
April 20, 2026
