You Should Be Here

A free verse poem about unending grief.

You were supposed to be here with me Holding me in solidarity Your playful grin fortifying me Your tender touch bringing lasting peace

You should be my rock-solid anchor Sheltering me from the crashing waves Keeping my vessel from capsizing Making sure my boat remains on course

Your swift breeze should fill my ragged sails White billowing wings catching your breath Optimism pushing us toward home Calm seas gliding to the horizon

Your glow should illuminate the sky Your twinkling eyes rivaling the stars Your vibrant smile outshining the moon Leaving the waves bathed in endless light

Without any warning, you were gone Your flame extinguished after we spoke Your absence darkens the world behind The sun’s warmth a fraction of before

Some days, I struggle to take each breath The hollow you left an aching hurt Yet I fight on for in me you live Sailing as one, your spirit remains

In my heart, the best of you resides I voyage with you day after day Your voice calls out in my dreamless sleep Your strength a buoy, keeps me afloat

It’s not the path we dreamed it would be My life alone, yours over too soon Your presence my faithful guiding force ’Til the time our hearts unite again

• Written November 3, 2021

When you lose your soulmate, grief never ends. Part of your loved one stays with you, and with time, you learn to use what remains as your strength.

Until next time, keep fighting.

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