How shall I speak warm, willing words to you When she for whom I meant them once is gone? Though all of my well-wishing may be true What is it for when all is said and done? With grace she once whirled briefly through this glade A heart as wide as any redwood tall And I, a stone within the deepest shade Rolled out, for I could not ignore her call. My cluttered thoughts were scattered on the breeze How my heart wished I could erase each mile, Give more than words to put her mind at ease, Embrace her, and without words help her smile. Alone, I wrap my arms around my chest How strongly I remember my great need And yet I knew not how to love her best Stone sheds a tear and wishes it could bleed. What I have lost, I'll never fully know I only know I'll never see it all. The blazing sun may never touch the snow; The buds of spring may never reach the fall. Yet once again I roll across this wood From shivering shade back into burning sun As if--though I know she is gone for good-- I'd find fulfillment here where she found none. Why am I here? To cause some careless harm? For selfishness or generosity? To help the shadows feel a bit more warm, Or gorge myself on others' warmth for me? To you who listen to my distant voice In shade or sun, in any phase of life I thank you that you made this stone your choice And pray your spirit never feels this strife. And as I close, imagining her kiss All I can offer, listener, is this: Though I cannot be all your night and day Let my soft words bring some small joy your way.