Seasons Without You

The close of the holidays mark
another year gone, wasted
into the depths of grief.

A new year is ushered in at midnight,
reminding me that this time,
you won’t turn a year older. 

Snow turns into rain and green grass,
reminding me of all you have missed,
all I have missed of you.

The clock ticks and tocks from morning to night,
reminding me of the minutes
I’ve been forced to spend without you.

Season by season, I’ve learned
to breathe between breakfast and bedtime,
to find you in places you’ve never been.

Despite the years that drag on,
I sit beside your grave
feeling as bereaved as before.

As moments move on without me,
I lock away memories of you
so that they never leave,
so that you never go.