Poems from Elle's perspective

It's not the same without you

I have a photo of you,
delighted by
a rare sweet indulgence,
the simplest gift,
laughing,
for no sooner opened
than 'shared'.

I have a photo of you,
strumming, smiling,
a familiar soundtrack
as we recover from
Christmas lunch.

                             Now I take too many photos
                             that you're not in,
                             your abandoned role
                             at center stage
                             appropriated.

                             And as presents pass
                             to eager hands
                             without guesses
                             from absurd to accurate,
                             without shaking,
                                                 rattling,
                                                           squishing
                             and impatient encouragement...
                             it's not the same.


Free verse. Written 29 July 2019.

Honourable mention in "Shadows and Light Poetry Contest"  (August 2019)