In the morning
As the city still slept
While the birds sang sweetly
I found her in their soft melodies
Her essence floating in the breeze

When the sun rose
Beaming golden rays 
Over the curves of the hills
I felt her in my skin
Seeping warmth into my bones

Within the spirals
Floating inside my cup
As I stirred my morning tea
She swam in the honeyed specks
Of drowning chamomile

When the cold entered
For the first time
I warmed my oven — 
She returned to me
Smelling of toasted grain in my kitchen

Winter lingered
Clouds block the sun
My tea has gone cold
The oven’s flame
Weakened to a flicker

*****

I haven’t seen her in quite some time
I look for her
I sense her in the lives of others
I hear her in their laughter
I see her reflected in their eyes

But she no longer twirls
In my bedroom
Her harmony missing
From the songs
I’ve stopped singing

I don’t believe she is gone forever
She may have lost her key
Perhaps I must simply travel
Where the sun meets the horizon
To find her again