POEM

HE IS GONE

I woke

and mourned

and remembered

the day we opened our scrolls,

looked into each others eyes,

and read our vows;

recalled campfires, games, a thieving squirrel,

sharing experiences together

in peaceful campgrounds, scenic surroundings;

remembered you lifting me

across the threshold of our first house,

laughed recalling the baby skunk experience,

smiled as I pictured the first time

we met our son and you tenderly

touched his hand and held mine.

Moments and memories flashed by,

a movie scrolling through my mind,

filled with joy, laughter, love.

I mourn that this

is all I have left.

There will be no more

pleasurable memories added

to this incomplete film.

I move down the stairs,

turn the corner,

amble behind the recliner

and glance down at you.

This illness seized you,

separated us.

Continual grief

is heartbreaking.