Now you are gone.

Now you are gone. 

and all the things I would have told you 

I’d done, 

the many escapades of a life 

long lived in my shadow. 

And all we do is wait –  

the next day  

to say 

I love you,  

the new ways we’ll 

write our wishes 

on paper napkins and 

stare at the stars.  

I’ll be your replicate, 

the version of you that 

counts her dreams like 

seashells in the dark, 

that takes her words from memories 

with a subtle touch, 

caressing her thoughts with 

skin instead of sandpaper. 

Do not stay cruel: 

purge yourself of a well-kept 

secret that just life 

is enough. 

You do not need to torture 

your guard anymore, 

the fortress shall wane and leave 

a chalice of gold 

in which 

you will not drown your sorrows 

but will fill it, 

swimming, 

gently drifting against the current that 

fills your heart with tender 

remembrance. 

You shall rest. 

And we shall know that you are safe 

in your place amongst 

the night.