For Val

For Val

The sky is ablaze with glory,

flaming clouds torching the evening sky.

It won’t last, each camera click

fading to the cold darkness of night.

Seems a waste of wonder:

an artist would want more return

for his creation –

long-lingered admiration.

I shared this with you

as the anaesthetic faded

and the pain began again

its cloudy congregation.

I could not share the pain

for I cannot see it,

apart from the lines on your face.

But, the sky I can see,

the sky I can share -

though it is only on loan

and not mine to give.