Slippers, perched at night stand,
twitching impatiently,
mark the absence of feet,
cannot appreciate the meaning
of unruffled bed covers.
Abandoned, a coffee mug
bemoans its curdling contents,
complains of thick brown lines
contaminating its porcelain shine,
has not noted absence of hands.
Chair, pushed back from desk,
in partial rotation, sits awkwardly,
commanding attention, disturbed
by its misalignment, has not thought
to ponder absence of body.
House, uncomfortable with silence,
creaks unnaturally, loudly voicing
objections to the absence of footfalls,
automated machinery and incessant
rings, beeps, and chimes of technology.
I try to reassure them that the absence
is only temporary, that the man whose
presence so strikingly fills this space
will return, hope they cannot read
the apprehension in my tremulous heart.
(Absence was written six years ago, while my husband recovered from a triple bypass. Image my own.)
And yet this piece is so poignant for anyone still waiting for their husband to return ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poem really leaves the reader with a sense of who is absent. Really effective and touching. I always love your imagery.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Andrea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
When painting I talk a great deal about the ‘negative space’ and its importance. This poem uses that concept so beautifully. Thank you
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
sounds like you are very close, you obviously missed him!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, he’s my best friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
how beautiful, that’s the way it should be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Powerful and could feel the way the essence of someone lingers like that – hope the hubs is doing well
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s fine now. thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
A superb poem. I felt like I was in the room feeling the absence.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a very touching and beautiful poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Roberta
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was very moved by this poem. It captures the pain of absense beautifully.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have captured the feelings absence exqusitely V.J. …
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know you have felt it in the worse way, Ivor.
LikeLiked by 1 person