THE FOG  by Sharon Bazant      

(My poem entitled “The Fog” placed second in the January Ekphrastic poetry contest in White Rock, B.C. It was inspired by the featured photo by Terence Thomas)

SHE WAKES AND REMEMBERS.

Trembling,

she parts the heavy curtains.  

Fog has crept in.

The gunmetal ocean across the lane

is obscured in a sombre mist.

She slips on her boots, her coat.

Winter’s chill penetrates her bones.

She will confront the vaporous veil

that swirls around her arms, her legs

muffling her steps.

Early risers and dog walkers magically 

appear and disappear 

along the murky path.

Homes sit hushed behind  

skeletons of tall trees

dissolving into a cloak of clouds.

Is this how it will be for her? 

All the treasured memories 

hiding, out of reach.

Slipping away.

A new baby amidst glittering January snow.

A gentle touch in the night.

Tart, succulent mango dripping down her chin.

Riding through springtime crocuses, buffalo beans.

The trusting, hopeful gaze of her beautiful boys.

Crying and laughing and dancing with her friends.

Will it all fade?

Appear and disappear?

Fall into a puddle of confusion?

Muddle into a haze?

She shakes her head, defiant!

Today, the fog will lift.

She will go home, light a fire 

and bask in sunlit memories.

She knows

the fog will come again

to take them from her.

One by one

BUT NOT TODAY.