I would rather stay asleep than wake

Remembering that you have died

The stillness of the house

Is always a rude awakening

Throwing salt into my wounds

I do not want to spend my life picking at scabs

I do not want to spend my life

Forgetting about our love

Or waving goodbye as you recede

Into the aether

Your energy and heat

Are something I ache for

You have changed from flesh and blood

And beauty to something new

I hang pictures of your past faces

on the walls

Memories of your touch

Invade my mind at odd moments

I overflow with tears

Flashing back to your last breath

You were still warm when

I closed your eyes and mouth

And slipped your wedding ring

From your finger onto mine

Did you hear my last goodbye?

Did you hear my last I love you?

Did you feel

my last kisses?

Diane E. Dockum

August 29, 2021