one little boy
retreats into the dim
sheds a lone tear
savors the shiver
as his heart grows cold
...
and then he is back
in the memory of the sun
and the wind on his face
and the thrill that quickens
as he pedals with fervor
down the tree-lined path
...
the moments of bright
the memories of hope
the feelings held tight
are the seeds that grow
the weeds of denial
blocking the sun
shielding from the dazzling light
kept in torment
...
tolerable torment from within
removing the colors
the hues of childhood dreams
another gradient tear falls