An Enduring Love Part 1 of 3

Brian Sankarsingh reflects on love and loss

Realistic photo of an older woman facing away from the audience sitting alone on a bench watching the sunset

For over forty years, Emma and William shared a life woven with quiet joys, enduring challenges, and a love that grew stronger with time. Their marriage was a symphony of small moments —morning coffees, laughter, and the comforting silence that only those who truly know each other can share. They had raised two children together, watched them grow, and stood by each other through the many seasons of life.

Emma had always admired William’s ability to find the funny side of everyday life. William’s wit and funny repartee was indeed a wonderful part of their relationship. One crisp autumn day, Emma went out to do the weekly grocery shopping. It was an ordinary day, like so many others, and she didn't think twice about leaving William at home. He had taken to reading in his favorite armchair by the window, where the sunlight warmed him. However, when Emma returned, the house was quiet. Too quiet. A silence that felt unfamiliar and unsettling. She called out William’s name, but there was no response. That was not like him. The groceries lay forgotten in the car as she hurried to the living room. There, she found him. William sat peacefully in his chair. His eyes were closed, as if he had simply drifted off to sleep. But Emma knew. She could feel it deep within her—he was gone.

Her heart ached in a way she had never known before. It wasn't just the pain of losing him; it was the realization that the life they had built together had come to an end. But as she looked at him, so serene, she found comfort in knowing that he had left this world in the place he loved most, doing what he loved. Beside him on the small side table was a piece of paper, folded neatly. With trembling hands, she picked it up and unfolded it. It was a poem, his final words to her.

William's Poem: "I’ll Save a Spot"

In the golden glow of autumn's light  
I feel the world slow, soft, and bright
The times we've shared, a cherished song
In your arms, is where I belong

The leaves will fall, as seasons do
But know, my love, I'll save a spot for you  
In every breeze, in every dawn
In every whisper when I'm gone

For love like ours does not depart  
It lives forever in the heart
When you feel the autumn air  
Know, my love, I'm always there

Emma clutched the paper to her chest, tears streaming down her face. His words, so tender and filled with love, brought her solace amid her sorrow. She knew he had written it knowing he was leaving, a final gift to her—one last expression of the love they had shared.

Days passed, and though the grief was heavy, Emma found strength in the memories they had created together. She often returned to the places they had frequented, feeling his presence in the world they had built. Their home was filled with reminders of their love—photographs, trinkets from their travels, and of course, the poem he had written to her. One evening, as the sun set and cast a warm glow over their living room, Emma decided to write a poem of her own—a tribute to William and the life they had shared.

Emma's Poem: "Until We Meet Again"

In the quiet of the evening's glow
I feel your presence, soft and slow 
Though you've gone to where I can't see
Your love still lingers, here with me

The days are long, the nights are cold
But in my heart, your hand I hold
In dreams, you come, a fleeting kiss  
A tender moment I still miss

But I will wait, with love and grace
Until I see your gentle face
For love like ours knows no goodbyes
It lives forever, never dies

As she finished writing, Emma felt a sense of peace wash over her. Their love had endured for more than forty years, and she knew it would continue to endure—across time, across distance, and beyond this life. It was a love that could not be diminished, even by death. And so, she carried on, with William's poem in her heart and her own words as a reminder of the love that had filled her life. Their story was one of devotion, of a bond that time could not break. It was a love story that would last forever.

Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.

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