The Silent Pretend

for Donna

The wind whips without care or consent.
The snow ice pelts against my face.

I observe the familiar and far away Ocean City Beach scene—
on Facebook—shared by a beloved family member.

—walking the WINTER crunchy snow covered sand
between the beige stick-straight rushes—

My body remembers with warmth and youthful elation
the sunny SUMMER path.
My heart allows imagination and hangs
onto a moment of long ago.

Conflating with the current video on my phone—
I walk in the silent pretend—

holding hands and telling stories—
laughter long and sweet,
held tenderly and closely
ONLY
in my amalgamated, momentary vision