The receding October moon reluctantly rose,
Withdrawing from the full globe of a few days before.
I drive the night darkened country road, white lines sweeping past,
Too aware of an advancing frost in the evening haze,
Anxious to return home to fireplace warmth and light.

Nearing a familiar corner, a stop sign loomed,
To the right, a rural cemetery sits silently expectant.
Open iron gates and tenebrous headstones,
In the middle, incongruous, stationary car headlights beam bright.

I slowed, thinking: lovers or vandals would want inky cover of night.
Indeed, these lights focus on a lone figure,
Kneeling graveside, one hand rests heavily on a stone, head bowed in prayer.
A stark moment of solitary sorrow, invisible grieving of the heart yet
Illuminated in twin beams.

A benediction of mourning;  light pierces the blackness,
Gentle fingertips trace the engraved letters of a beloved name.
Uneasy, I withdraw from the touch
And drive on into the night, struggling to see through a thickening mist.