two things still bother me
almost 17 years later
after we’d finally wrenched
ourselves away
knowing you would never
smile that radiant smile again
we did what everyone
has always done
when they don’t know
what to do
we went in search of food
and the bubbly breakfast waitress
evoked something strange in me
“my mom just died” i blurted out
abruptly, without emotion
my mom, my best friend
who i would never see again
i always made my bed those days
every day, no matter what
rain or shine, late or early
but i didn’t make my bed that day
the day of your funeral
and after the condolence food
several guests made their way
up the stairs, into my room
there was chatter
there was laughter
i couldn’t really comprehend either
all i could pay attention to
was that damn unmade bed
gone forever, you were dead
and i could only focus
on the unmade bed
*******
there is sadness, there is laughter
there is struggle, there is triumph
there is also a healing haven
that allows and welcomes
all that life brings
