Red Ribcage

His eldest son died.
He could not stay.
His motorcycle carried him far,
Never far enough.

Under the veil
Of a gray horizon
He rides into dark woods,
Silent.
Red ribcage
Open,
Sowing his life’s blood
Into black earth.

A long-forgotten brother,
Found.
What words can be said
That a brother’s eyes
Do not already hold.

Boiling water,
Whispering lost time.
He cries in his sleep,
A ghost
Hovering,
Blue.

A soft melody
Moves through the winter wind,
Like the first touch
Of a loving mother.

Swimming,
Surrendering,
Breathing.
And waking up.