I haven't seen you lately
On days like this I reminisce
We used to be a garden where
The sun burned through the river mist

I do not utter words so raw
Or unsophisticated that
The garden paths we once trod
Could ever be winter clad

Nor can I conjure with my hands
The times we found all around
Without even trying, you and I
Like echo I return to sound

I wait there, a jungle cat,
A predator of words devoured
By the cadence of your speech
Heard above the murmuring crowd

I haven't seen you lately
But from the corner of my eye
I sense your presence there
In mottled shadows, tiger-like