Absence

Written following the death of my father...

ABSENCE

strange.
some things, unholdable as breath
are all that is real.

life:
the invisible pattern behind the skin,
silent, half-heard songs
of praise
warm as sunlight
in veins

radiance cannot be touched
behind the eyes, shining.

nor can the hand hold.
all the spirit leaves
in the palm
is absence.

some things cannot be held.

strange then
how others, equally untouchable –
a smile, a laugh,
voices long silent, words flown away
like autumns past.

secrets shared, unspoken.
a glance.
nothing one could touch, or grasp, or stay.

memories.

not in the palm.
heart held.

some things cannot be let go.

in this place,
immortal
means remembered.