Anniversary   Standing on the periphery She stopped to look over the sea of faces. Heads attuned to her expression. Her look would temper the evening.   A smile was their greeting And then a nod Thanking them all for coming. I am glad you are here.  I am glad that you still remember him.   Dishes clattered, Plates balanced on knees. Food the great appeaser Eased the tension of the room. The setting sun emitted calming shades Of orange and yellow Across the faces and onto the walls.   Hushed tones erupted into a chuckle And then a hearty laugh. One corner related an old story. The room came alive With anecdotes about Uncle, brother, father, friend, and lover.   No. He had not been forgotten. But had the pain eased? A melancholy look betrayed the sweet sadness Of her longing for him.   Copyright © 2000 Sue Gazda          Except where otherwise noted, all poetry on this website is the copyrighted work of Virginia Carlson at "picsandpoems.com." Please see my Terms of Use. Copyright © 2000-2001 picsandpoems.com.  All Rights Reserved.