Shirley of Serendipity (rev)

where were you Shirley
of the Sanguine Lake
where did you disappear 
the echoes of your empty
house were all but stilled
yet held to bear the ache
quaver in a hollow fear

we raked the mirrored water's
edge and poled the willow
shrouded brakes we plumbed
the deep and darked ledge
traced dimensions of despair
and waked in light to fete
your coming home –
a home revered

who are you
Shirley of the Mall
who will you be
when you walk the
shifting shingle banks
that line the random riverside
who will you be with your red
red hair – where will you be
Shirley of Serendipity
are you there – already there
© 2006, I.D. Carswell