how can we do anything else?

we talk in whispered wishes

late at night

when we remember

that some of what we invested in

must die.

like seeds planted and

turned over

in hopes of a newer, fuller crop.

we sowed in love

and we are reaping in regret

because the returns will

take longer this year.

and, really, what it might mean

is that we lived in hopes of life

and are having to reconcile death

in the midst of it.

and how can we look at the death of love

and keep our hearts from dying too?

how can we do anything else?