though this was not forecast, rain fell in the mountains

fell in such torrents that creeks became rivers

rivers turned raging and joined with the storm

all we held dear all we called ours many we loved

washed away down ridge then the ridge itself disappeared

these days seem like that time as grief hits us hard

batters us each without end in sight

the sharing of tears holds us through this dark night 

we reach for each other in the morning

nothing restores what we’re lost, no way to bring back what is gone 

but brief glimpses of love give us strength to remember

these memories a foundation for this present home

(for R, with deep affection)