EMPTY SPACE

For some reason					
the days pass -					
morning comes					
night comes						
people -						
the same people					
who were here before
are here now						
doing what they've always done.			
But not you.						
No.							
You went away.					
You went away and left me here			
by myself.						
							
You didn't say goodbye
you didn't say it's been wonderful			
you didn't say I love you				
you did not reach for me.				
What you said was - 				
take your hands off me				
(take your hands off me)				
so I did.						
And you reached for God.
							
How is it possible					
to be so aware					
of empty space?					
How is it possible					
for everyone else to remember
your laugh - your big laugh - 					
I know it was hearty -
everyone says so - 
but I can't hear it
though I've tried and tried.

The first Peace rose opened today.
it's very beautiful.
Last year you were the first
to see it.
Are there roses where you are?
Do you need them?

What can I do for you now?
Shall I grow tomatoes
because you loved them?
Shall I read your books?
tell your jokes?
sit in your recliner?
laugh like you did?

Shall I go to church,
listen to Joe sing the Ave Maria?
go to the Village Inn
on Saturday mornings
with Gus and Myron?
sing Seventy-Six Trombones
when I'm feeling happy?

You always told me
what to do
what not to do.
Tell me now.
I'll wait.

		ME