Some say it will ease, this terrible longing that fills all my waking hours and every dream.

Thoughtless though my future action might appear, I must now look ahead to the knowledge that we’ll soon meet again.

Timeless is our love; a precious bond I’ve only ever wanted since that night when we danced on the sand with only the sound of the sea to accompany our sway.

Now I’m torn apart with grief, a leaden grief as, time and time again, I remember your last breath after you whispered against my salt stained cheeks, ‘I will always love you, cariad,’ and as you whispered, rays from a setting sun streamed through our bedroom window to caress your pale face.

Now I hear the sea slapping upon a twilight shore. I hear a voice. Is that you, my love? Is that you uttering my name?

I call out, ‘Wait for me! Wait for me!’ as pebbles, scattered by the recent high tide, bruise my running feet, but your insistent call draws me onwards towards black rocks nudging out into a darkening sea.

A lone curlew rises, it’s shadow drifting out further into the bay. As it flies away, your voice, still uttering my name, grows weaker as if you are drowning too.