What can never be

Tears stung my eyes when I came upon these hollyhocks today. Courtesy, I suppose of Danu, the goddess of fluidity: she actively haunts these banks.

Yet, I could not turn away.

A long time ago we believed we would grow old together,

In that parallel universe, hollyhocks in romantic hues bloom against the side of our old farmhouse, is white paint chipping, and we dance again under starry skies, holding each other close.