I awake in the dark to dress

unusual for me – being alone

as you are usually next to me –

you and your stuffed animal.

but once a year or so

you go away a week to write

and I experience my late nights again

being a faux bachelor

and missing you

It is good the missing

to know the hurt of absent love

embrace the emptiness of loss

a reminder of the past

the years before your warm touch

and the shower of those joyous kisses.

J.E. Dorsey – 11.01.11 – for LDN – my love.

Poetry & Pictures . Doug Claybourne