A weepy day, on and off.
No particular reason why today
I should be so conscious of loss,
more than any other,
yet it seemed I couldn't look around
without falling over his huge absence.
This evening, the weeping done,
I sat happily watching TV
and doing the crossword.
Then I caught an expectation,
rising from the back of my mind
like an old habit: that he
would come into the room
from bedroom or office
to sit beside me and speak.
It was, you see, a moment
of contentment — cosy at home
after dinner, with happy cats
and the door shut on the cold —
in which he naturally belonged.
Unlike the day's empty longing.
Poetic Asides April Poem A Day Challenge 2013, 13: Comparison.
Submitted for Poets United's Poetry Pantry #146
Submitted for Poets United's Poetry Pantry #146
Poignant. I can see the empty space that can never be filled.
ReplyDeleteand the door shut on the cold - Very well written and captures the inner feelings. Well Done.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.. Thank you for writing such a wonderful poem with so much simplicity..
ReplyDeleteyou have captured the feeling so well.... wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThat's really lovely. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThe feelings you've created with the challenge are so heartfelt. Beautiful poem.
ReplyDeletemoment/contentment and belonged/longing really encapsulate the emotion in this poem. Enjoyable read, though sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you for noticing what I did with those words.
DeleteVery lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteThank you all fot your kind words.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching poem..
ReplyDeletepatterns don't free us
". . . no particular reason why today" hits hard. So like loss to ambush mourners. I am happy you and the cats caught something belonging to you, as well.
ReplyDeleteRosemary, I so hear you. Especially at the feeling contented moment, and then recognizing you are anticipating his coming into the room - and realizing he isnt able to. I like to believe his spirit isnt far from you and the cats, though.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Sherry.
DeleteRosemary, your sadness is palpable in this poem. You paint such a perfect picture, actually contrast of pictures. A beautiful poem--hugs <3
ReplyDeleteWow, I could feel this all the way down to my toes...
ReplyDeleteThere has to be cats, they smooth out the course edges of empty, and seem to understand that you need to cry at essentially everything. I couldn't tell from the comment on coldness and that in the last two stanzas you claimed happiness, whether the person missing was lost or exiled. In either case the emptiness persists and I can relate to your expression of it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was aware it wasn't clear to anyone unaware of my circumstances (widowhood) but decided that didn't matter to the poem. As you say, it's the loss that is the thing - the emptiness - not how it came about. All the same, I must remember to tag the many poems on this subject 'widowhood'. Hard to imagine now, but there may come a time when it's not my chief topic.
Deletethere is something in that moment when the realization of the loss returns from wherever it goes while it gives you a chance to rest. it is always such a moment of shock and physically changes the shape of your heart. you expressed this so well. I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteYou've captured so well, that instant of forgetting, the moment of expectation, just before the grief reinvades! Well done! Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteDon't Lay Me Down
Beautifully written, poignant poem. I know where you are coming from Rosemary. Thinking of you
ReplyDeleteRes
The longing in that hour of the day is truly painful...beautifully captured
ReplyDeleteSome days we are more weepy than others. This poem delves into those parts of ourselves we all can recognize.
ReplyDeleteLoss is always difficult and sorrow can blindside us anywhere, at any time. It proves we are really human. Sadness is present in your poem, but there is also a sense of settling, as well.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
I thank you all for your kindness and understanding.
ReplyDelete