Just Once

A loving tribute poem to James Ingram

Clinging to fragments of memories,
I search for love here and there,
Walking the shores of eternal hope,
But I sink in the sea of despair

Just once, let me hear love speaking
In a language known to no ear;
Only love and I will understand
And I'll thrill to the words that I hear

Just once, to walk in love's footsteps,
Just once, not to feel the need;
Just once, let me wake in the arms of love,
And do not blame me for my greed

There's nothing here now but darkness,
A darkness no morning can tame;
Candles of regret rendered useless,
Love being the eternal flame

Then bring on the night and the silence,
I welcome what most of you dread;
The darkened chamber of solace,
Laying on top, a rose of deep red

Wrapped in flowers of surrender,
I'm dressed for this final repose;
A rosary of tears for my necklace.....
Now let this day come to a close