A Cross To Bear

• Jacinta Luck, Grade 11
• Poetry
• 2013

Left indicator flashing, the rust-riddled Ute rumbled to a halt on the shoulder of the road. After stumbling from the vehicle, Ernest dragged his feet to where his wife was waiting.

Tired lilies hung barely intact on a weathered wooden cross. As he replaced the wilted with fresh, a yearning emerged from deep within his chest. His unsteady finger traced her name and the brief inscription, lovingly painted on the splintery memorial.

Ignoring the sting of stones flicked up by passing traffic, Ernest lingered in silence. Teary-eyed he whispered into the wind, "I will be with you soon, my love."