Adrift

I could have sworn that I caught a glimpse Of my smile on her lips. Was there not my playful glint Stirring in his eyes? Were not the words she uttered (Which delighted all our company) Echoes of my own? Laughter poured forth from mouths Shaped just like mine. A collective spark pulsated; Warmth consumed me in its enticing glow. Now, dim and dimmer. I float adrift and watch the waves Capture beads of sunlight Which dance like fluid crystals; So fleeting! Fading into shade Produced by a menacing cloud! With resignation, I approach my familiar island And searchfortraces of my face. There are none. Yet feeble hands reach out To make purchase with myreticent raft. I almost acquiesce Until I notice one set of hands not among them; Preoccupied insteadwith sculpting cruel caricatures. I find an oar previously overlooked And sail off, in search of another shore.