When You’re Gone

Has anyone asked

if emperor penguins think more about 

the times they 

had with their mate 

or the times to come 

while they wait for one another 

in the bitter winter. 

Do they think 

to celebrate how good it’s been,

old breeding seasons,

the fruit of their hard work around them?

or do they wait in hope,

thinking that the next time

will be more sweet -

Flipper to flipper, huddled together.