My Dad passed on.. passed away... a year and half ago..
I could never say the word "died" cos it has such a tone of finality about it...

A landscape scene from a photograph taken a year ago
Was brought to life when I visited it again this time
Instead of feeling the cushion sinking beneath my seat
I felt the sand sinking beneath my feet
The wind chasing leaves 
Which flirtatiously danced and skipped away
A flock of swans drifted by when I recalled ever only seeing one or two at a time
The water, the water, a body of indescribable being
Sometimes lapping and laffing near my feet
Sometimes riding a little higher to try to kiss me with a mist
The atmosphere changed from moment to moment
Varying the light and shadows, creating intricate mysteries for me to fathom

Senses heightened by the seduction of Mother Earth
I returned home with a weighted bag of easel and gear upon my back
Hair in disarray from the playful wind 
Feet tired from standing on an even bed of sand, pebbles and sticks
But an inner being lightened 
And a smile and grin upon my brimming heart....