Autumn of Memories

It's cold out...the sun is available but cooled by the touch of October.

I stare up, close my eyes, and listen to the waves of the wind.

They splash against my face, introducing me to the Autumn breeze.

I vacuum my breath as the sensation of memories flood my senses.

The words you spoke were so soft, so foreign.

Innocent and wild, with ambitions that exceeded the distance between us.

A crowd of promises traveled between the fall leaves and fluttered at our feet.

We bent down to pick them up, but they suddenly slipped through the fingers.

We tried again, with no success.

We tried once more, but the promises wouldn't stick to our palms.

With each attempt, they floated hopelessly back to the ground.

We couldn't understand why the promises refused to be scooped up.

Your hands were clean, but mine...mine were dirtied.

Dirtied by years of circumstance and suspicion.

Ruined by compromise and imperfection.

I stand in the way of the winds, basking in the twilight of the sun.

I know my sins...I know my faults.

The wind began to wash against my feet and the leaves slid across my face.

Opening my eyes, I saw...a promise, laying on the ground.

I didn't know there were any left!

Is it real..?

Alone and untouched, it flapped loosely in the winds.

I take a few steps, then bend to one knee.

I reach my hand out...