Linda Golden

Inspired by the painting by Eastman Johnson, "The Girl I Left Behind."

Windswept loneliness
Clouds collecting rain

Solace found only on the printed page
Protecting, protected against the onslaught
Tears come anyway

Moving against tides of sorrow
One step at a time, growing
Holding fast to forward

Hills gone from green to gray
Mood moving from hope to despair

Will he come today, tomorrow
Or is this the only lovely lonely