Starting Over
by LaVern Spencer McCarthy
He died though she had hoped he never would.
Their fervent hearts had always beat as one.
Indeed, she did not care for widow-hood,
but dared not leave its darkness for the sun.
With many fears of what the world might say
to someone needing change, what could she do?
She scoured her mind for dregs of yesterday
when she had confidence and skies were blue.
Uncovering a spark of self-esteem
to nurture into flame, she then forgave
that strident voice she heard within a dream,
her soul-mate calling her into the grave.
And, casting off the veil her spirit wore,
a joyful woman ventured out the door.
LaVern Spencer McCarthy, has published eight books of poetry and four books of short stories plus three journals. Her poems have been published in Visions International, Poetry Society of Texas Book of The Year, Open Skies Quarterly, National Federation of State Poetry Society's Encore, Austin Poetry Society's Austin's Best Poets, A Texas Garden of Verses and numerous state anthologies and newspaper columns. Her poem, October’s Agenda was nominated for the Pushcart Award in 2023.