Among Friends Until Traces Remain

There were friends there.
I think there were so many friends there.
Surrounded, surrounded! 

Some smiled with their eyes.
Some surprised me with their remembrance.
Most, I barely knew. 

I turn my thoughts backwards,
steering into nearby memories of
that gathering place now behind me,
gently observing through my mind’s eye.

The first thing I notice 
is how no one casts a shadow. 

Next:
how quickly their faces are blurring;
their shouts, fading. 

I turn away from the sea of footsteps,
blinking furiously to sweep away
the last of the clamor.

As the sun inches towards the horizon
the heated bodies and voices have disappeared
but traces of their energy, that residual vibration
I can feel stirring beneath my skin:
Some will always remain. 

The sun lowers further.
My world creeps back to me.

All but forgotten,
feeling only those quiet traces of vibrations,
I’m alone again.  

.

August 16, 2025